Animals in Medieval Art: Symbolism and Allegory
Animals, both fantastic and actual, were given important roles in medieval art and thought. Animal motifs and foliate patterns were quickly incorporated into artists' ornamental libraries. There was a lot of ancient medieval jewelry for arrogance, with animal symbols twisting and elongating into intricate shapes.
Symbolic Connections of Animals
Animals possessed a rich diversity of symbolic connections, the majority of which were taken from a long time ago. In the past, the lamb was a main sacrificial animal in Eastern religious traditions, especially among the Israelites. Christians accepted the lamb as a symbol of Christ, emphasizing His sacrifice for humanity. The griffin considered in antiquity as a keeper of light and an attendant of Apollo and preserved its duty as a custodian figure for the dead even in future Christian contexts. (Rosenthal, Doris Patty) Artists mostly illustrated the lively biblical narrations of human communication with animals from the time of creation to Jonah and the fish, to Noah and the Ark, and to Daniel and the den of lions.
The Bestiary
Animals were also used to drive moral instruction and religious allegory. The Bestiary evolved in medieval Europe during the twelfth century, most significant additions from Christian intellectuals such as Isidore of Seville, Saint Ambrose, and Rabanus Maurus. (Rosenthal, Doris Patty) Bestiary is a group of interpretations and descriptions of animals purposed as both a natural antiquity and a sequence of religious and moral lessons. In addition, bestiaries provided stories about the reality of loathsome and bizarre creatures, most which surfaced in medieval art. For example, the Persian legend bearing the human face, lion's body and a scorpion's tail had a seductive voice like that of a flute. It symbolized the alarm song of enticement that circled the Christian soul on its treacherous journey on earth.
Exotic Animals
It is normally presumed that portraying exotic animals in medieval art must depend on earlier representations and descriptions of bestiaries. Nonetheless, such creatures were at times offered as diplomatic presents to European leaders or returned as treasures from the pilgrimage. For example, Edgar of England may be regretting his option of a suitable souvenir to return from Crusade, presented the King of Ireland with a camel. (Pluskowski, Aleks)
Animals and Sports
Medieval arts demonstrated hunting in diverse media and particularly in luxury commodities for rich customers. For instance, the artwork of hunting with falcons promoted by Emperor Fredrick II was extensively perceived as a symbol of nobility. (Pluskowski, Aleks)
Animal Symbols used today
Together with a ceremonial motto and flower, every country owns an official bird. However soaring high above all of them is the bald eagle, of the United States of America. Portraits of the paragon bird can be seen almost everywhere, from passports to paper currency to coins and the president's formal seal. (Silate, Jennifer)The proposal for choosing the bird t to symbolize America was suggested in 1782 when a painting of an eagle was given to the newly created Congress. It was soon adopted soon after allows an olive branch were added in the eagle's claws. The eagle was chosen due to its connection with statehood and authority. In fact, the eagle had symbolized government authority since the Roman period. (Silate, Jennifer)
Conclusion
Animals from the past, have always been regarded highly in literature, and have been used as representations and symbols of human relationships, economics, and the society. The early animal narratives were often religious, for instance in the old testament where animals were used to represent different godly and human attributes like the lamb, lion, and snake. As there are diverse animals, with different kinds to choose from, of all sizes and shapes, it may be perceived that any single motif would be appropriate for tessellation reasons as with any other. However, practically this will not happen, with fish and birds being prevalent.
Work Cited
Pluskowski, Aleks. Medieval Animals. 1st ed., Cambridge, England, Dept. Of Archaeology, Cambridge University, 2002,.
Rosenthal, Doris Patty. Animal Motifs From Around The World. 1st ed.
Silate, Jennifer. The Bald Eagle. 1st ed., New York, Rosen Pub. Group, 2006,.
