DOI chapter:
Introduction
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62036#0015
INTRODUCTION. ix
were of course reflections of the mind and faith of the period. We need not therefore
be surprised at finding many subjects that express the belief of the Middle Ages; and
these may at least be of interest in an historical point of view, if in no other; at all
events, those subjects with which we can feel no sympathy, will be found to be few in
comparison with those, in which the feeling and motive may readily be admired.
With regard to the two words used to describe the object of this Work, I ought
perhaps to say something of the meaning to be attached to them, as well as of the
distinction between them ; for that there is a distinction, few persons will be inclined
to doubt, though it may not be very easy to define it. I believe that the words
Symbol and Emblem are often used indifferently to express the same meaning ; but it
should be observed that the term Symbol may sometimes be used for an Emblem, where
the contrary would not be true ; as, for instance, the Anchor may be either the
Symbol or Emblem of Hope; but we could not say that the Lamb or the Good
Shepherd were Emblems of Christ, since He Himself is embodied in, or represented
by them. They must therefore be distinguished as Symbols; and this term may
then be considered as something expressive of the whole being and character, rather
than any particular attribute or quality, of the person or thing represented. The same
object, however, may clearly be considered a Symbol as well as an Emblem, as the
Sword is the Symbol of martyrdom, and the peculiar Emblem of St. Paul.
French and German authors have contributed much information upon the subject
I have attempted to illustrate; but in England little more than brief allusions have
been made to it. Both in Mrs. Jameson’s and Lord Lindsay’s works it is mentioned
indeed, as an important step in the study of Art, and lists of Symbols are given ; but
what has been published upon the subject in foreign works is scattered through many
volumes not generally accessible; neither do any of these contain a complete series of
examples illustrating it.*
* Besides the two works mentioned, an outline of the
subject in the “ Calendar of the Anglican Church illus-
trated,” and some papers upon “ Christian Iconography
and Legendary Art,” that have recently appeared in the
“ Gentleman’s Magazine,” I do not know that anything
has been written upon the subject in England. A writer
of the last century, who had intended to publish a work
upon this particular branch of Art, concludes with these
words : — “ These remarks on the nature of symbols, are
only the opening of the vestibule of a Gothic Palace, in
which we shall hereafter wander with romantic entertain-
ment and instructive pleasure.” But into this palace he
was not permitted to enter, for he died before the pro-
jected work was begun.
a
were of course reflections of the mind and faith of the period. We need not therefore
be surprised at finding many subjects that express the belief of the Middle Ages; and
these may at least be of interest in an historical point of view, if in no other; at all
events, those subjects with which we can feel no sympathy, will be found to be few in
comparison with those, in which the feeling and motive may readily be admired.
With regard to the two words used to describe the object of this Work, I ought
perhaps to say something of the meaning to be attached to them, as well as of the
distinction between them ; for that there is a distinction, few persons will be inclined
to doubt, though it may not be very easy to define it. I believe that the words
Symbol and Emblem are often used indifferently to express the same meaning ; but it
should be observed that the term Symbol may sometimes be used for an Emblem, where
the contrary would not be true ; as, for instance, the Anchor may be either the
Symbol or Emblem of Hope; but we could not say that the Lamb or the Good
Shepherd were Emblems of Christ, since He Himself is embodied in, or represented
by them. They must therefore be distinguished as Symbols; and this term may
then be considered as something expressive of the whole being and character, rather
than any particular attribute or quality, of the person or thing represented. The same
object, however, may clearly be considered a Symbol as well as an Emblem, as the
Sword is the Symbol of martyrdom, and the peculiar Emblem of St. Paul.
French and German authors have contributed much information upon the subject
I have attempted to illustrate; but in England little more than brief allusions have
been made to it. Both in Mrs. Jameson’s and Lord Lindsay’s works it is mentioned
indeed, as an important step in the study of Art, and lists of Symbols are given ; but
what has been published upon the subject in foreign works is scattered through many
volumes not generally accessible; neither do any of these contain a complete series of
examples illustrating it.*
* Besides the two works mentioned, an outline of the
subject in the “ Calendar of the Anglican Church illus-
trated,” and some papers upon “ Christian Iconography
and Legendary Art,” that have recently appeared in the
“ Gentleman’s Magazine,” I do not know that anything
has been written upon the subject in England. A writer
of the last century, who had intended to publish a work
upon this particular branch of Art, concludes with these
words : — “ These remarks on the nature of symbols, are
only the opening of the vestibule of a Gothic Palace, in
which we shall hereafter wander with romantic entertain-
ment and instructive pleasure.” But into this palace he
was not permitted to enter, for he died before the pro-
jected work was begun.
a