DOI chapter:
Plate 1-XCIII
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62036#0357
171
PLATE LXXXV.
ANIMALS.
THE UNICORN.
The symbolical representation of the Unicorn has its origin in remote Pagan times;
it held a conspicuous place in Persian Mythology, and was represented on the walls
of Persepolis, in battle with the Lion, both with and without wings; it was also
known to the Egyptians, and is found amongst their hieroglyphics. With these
nations it was the symbol of Purity and Strength, and the early Christians retained
these significations, and preserved it amongst their representations of symbolic Animal
nature. The Horn was considered to be a symbol of the Cross, and was believed to
be an antidote to poison ; even Cups made of it were supposed to deprive any deadly
drink of its injurious effects. During the Middle Ages, the fable, or legend, of the
Unicorn, was a frequent and favourite illustration of the doctrine of the Incarnation,
for it was said, that, although wild and fierce in its nature, it could only be caught and
tamed by a Virgin of pure and holy life, and from this circumstance the most familiar
representations of the subject in Art are derived ; the Virgin became the image of
the Virgin Mary, and the Unicorn the type of Christ Himself. From this purely
religious signification, it was taken as the emblematical device of some noble families,
when it probably retook its original meaning of strength and bravery, and became the
symbol of all moral and warlike virtues.
PLATE LXXXV.
ANIMALS.
THE UNICORN.
The symbolical representation of the Unicorn has its origin in remote Pagan times;
it held a conspicuous place in Persian Mythology, and was represented on the walls
of Persepolis, in battle with the Lion, both with and without wings; it was also
known to the Egyptians, and is found amongst their hieroglyphics. With these
nations it was the symbol of Purity and Strength, and the early Christians retained
these significations, and preserved it amongst their representations of symbolic Animal
nature. The Horn was considered to be a symbol of the Cross, and was believed to
be an antidote to poison ; even Cups made of it were supposed to deprive any deadly
drink of its injurious effects. During the Middle Ages, the fable, or legend, of the
Unicorn, was a frequent and favourite illustration of the doctrine of the Incarnation,
for it was said, that, although wild and fierce in its nature, it could only be caught and
tamed by a Virgin of pure and holy life, and from this circumstance the most familiar
representations of the subject in Art are derived ; the Virgin became the image of
the Virgin Mary, and the Unicorn the type of Christ Himself. From this purely
religious signification, it was taken as the emblematical device of some noble families,
when it probably retook its original meaning of strength and bravery, and became the
symbol of all moral and warlike virtues.