Encyclopedia of Comparative Iconography: Themes Depicted in Works of Art (2-Volume Set)

Rating:
Summary: useful intermediate reference work
Review: This useful intermediate reference work offers some fine introductory discussions of narrative themes in western art. It will be of use to docents and other students of western iconology. eastern and native conventions of iconology are only incidentally alluded to. It is the purpose of this encyclopedia to show the variety of uses to which general narrative themes and plots have been imaged in the history of art and to discuss some of the changing interpretations as the themes pass through different ages, cultures, and forms. This encyclopedia orders iconographic narratives in particular biblical, mythological, and literary texts according to actions performed by the characters, to situations in which they find themselves, and to concepts relating to these situations and actions.