The Symbols of Art

by Hodge, Susie

• ISBN13: 9781805700357
• ISBN10: 1805700359
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781805700364
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2026-05-05
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln
• More Book Details

Summary

Unpack the powerful visual symbols artists have used throughout history. 
 
From a single flower to a carefully placed skull, works of art across history are filled with symbols that carry powerful meanings. The Symbols of Art reveals how artists use these symbols to communicate ideas without relying on words. 
 
Why is there a lily in that religious painting? Why does a still life include an hourglass, a mirror, or a piece of fruit? In some cases, these symbols would have been immediately understood by contemporary viewers but now need decoding for a modern audience. In other instances, symbolism is more deliberately elusive, inviting viewers to look closer and think deeper. 
 
This richly illustrated visual reference includes: 

• Over 100 key symbols drawn from art history 
• Symbols from the natural world, the manmade world, the supernatural, and colors and shapes 
• Famous artworks used as case studies to show symbolism in context 
• How meanings change across cultures, movements, and centuries 
• An easy-to-navigate, fully indexed structure designed for quick consultation as well as browsing 

Bringing together examples from across periods, cultures, and artistic movements, art historian Susie Hodge explains how symbolic meanings can shift depending on time, place, and intention, revealing layers of interpretation that radically deepen our understanding of artworks. 
  
Clearly organized and expertly written, The Symbols of Art is both an authoritative reference and an inviting guide for curious readers. 
 
Whether you’re visiting a gallery, studying art history, or simply want to see artworks with fresh eyes, this book gives you the tools to decode visual meaning and experience art more deeply. 

Author Biography

Susie Hodge is a UK-based author who has written over 100 books for adults and children. An experienced teacher and lecturer, Susie also holds an MA in Art History from Birkbeck, University of London and is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS
6 Introduction

The Natural World 

Plants

12   Sunflower  

14   Jasmine 

16   Poppy

18   Forget-me-not 

20   Daisy

22   Iris

24   Rose

26   Lotus

28   Lily

30   Carnation 

32   Cypress

34   Laurel

36   Palm

38   Oak

Fruit 

42   Apple 

44   Vine and Grapes

46   Olive and Olive Tree

48   Fig 

50   Orange 

52   Watermelon 

54   Lemon 

56   Banana

58   Pomegranate 

60   Strawberry

62   Cherry 

Animals

66   Horse 

68   Snake

70   Monkey

72   Lion 

74   Deer

76   Cat

78   Dog

80   Fish

82   Lobster

84   Dolphin

86   Seashell

88   Crane

90   Peacock

92   Falcon

94   Owl

96   Eagle

98   Dove

100 Raven and Crow

102  Feathers 

Insects

106   Butterfly

108   Bee

110    Dragonfly 

112    Beetle

114    Fly 

Bodies

118   Skull

120   Blood

122   Heart

124   Hands 

126   Eyes

128   Ears

130   Feet

132   Hair 

Land, Water and Air

136   Mountains

138   Woods and Forests

140   Rivers

142   Sea

144   Clouds 

146   Rain

148   Sun 

150   Moon 

152   Stars

The Manmade World

The Home

158   Bed

160   Chairs 

162   Mirrors 

164   Clock 

166   Hourglass 

168   Book

170   Globe

172   Window

174   Door

176   Scale

178   Key

Clothing

182   Shoe

184   Glove

186   Mask 

188   Jewellery

190   Umbrella

Music 

194   Trumpet

196   Lute

198   Flute

200  Piano 

Objects

204   Weapons 

206   Chains

208   Cross

210    Balloon

Food

214   Bread

216   Egg

218   Chocolate

220  ?Onion and Garlic

222   Corn

The Supernatural World

226   Dragon

228   Halo

230   Phoenix

232   Angel

Colours and Shapes

Colours 

238   Red

240   Yellow

242   Blue 

244   Green

246   Purple 

248   Orange

250   Pink 

252   White

254   Black 

Shapes

258   Triangle 

260   Circle 

262   Square 

264   Spiral

266 Index 

271 Credits

272 Acknowledgements