Symbol and Magic in Egyptian Art

by Wilkinson, Richard H.

• ISBN13: 9780500280706
• ISBN10: 0500280703
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc

Summary

There is scarcely an Egyptian temple, pyramid, obelisk, wall painting, or sculpture that does not possess some hidden meaning--meaning that can only be understood by reference to the fundamental symbolic code used by ancient Egyptians. Symbol and Magic in Egyptian Art reveals the language of this ancient code, which endured for thousands of years. Its formulae include the symbolism of shape and size, the significance of location, color symbolism, the magical meaning of numbers, hieroglyphic signs, and the language of the body. This authoritative guide, the first-ever thematic treatment of this aspect of Egyptian art, will appeal to the art lover, traveler, Egyptophile, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the ancient symbols.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 6
Introduction	p. 7
Chronological Table	p. 14
Through Egyptian Eyes: The Symbolism of Form	p. 16
Measure and Meaning: The Symbolism of Size	p. 38
Position and Placement: The Symbolism of Location	p. 60
Significance in Substance: The Symbolism of Materials	p. 82
The Appearance of the World: The Symbolism of Color	p. 104
Meaning in Many: The Symbolism of Numbers	p. 126
Words as Magic, Words as Art: The Symbolism of Hieroglyphs	p. 148
Significant Activity: The Symbolism of Actions	p. 170
Language of the Body: The Symbolism of Gestures	p. 192
Glossary	p. 212
Notes to the Text	p. 215
Further Reading	p. 218
Index	p. 222
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