| Symbols represent objects, pictures, written words, sounds or something else and signify ideas, concepts, notions, beliefs and feelings. A number of them are commonly used, such as a white rectangle on red background standing for “STOP”, others have particular meaning and evoke deep feelings. The examples of these symbols are the crucifix in Christianity or Judaic Star of David.We're surrounded by symbols. Every day we face with something that has a symbolic sense. You may see symbols on money, in music compositions, books, commercials, politics etc. To understand the sense of a symbol a person needs to know what this symbol implies. For example, the Chinese yin and yang symbol looks like an amusing image with black and white colors for people who don't know the secret sense of this sign. They may enjoy its design, but they do not see more than that. Quite the contrary, in case a person knows the origin of the symbol he or she sees not just a picture, but an idea of deep interrelation of things in our living.During the history of humanity symbols were vastly applied in art. In this way, one object on a painting tells volumes about the situation, the concepts of the painter, his view on life and aspirations. To understand the secret meaning of a book or a music composition we need to be very attentive to symbols. Now and then we need to learn the professionals' point of view on a definite work of art in order to get the idea of the author. This is because the symbols language is quite complicated.So what are the most widespread symbols in art and what do they represent?Among the most common symbols applied in works of art are a book, a candle, a clock and mirrors. A book generally implies knowledge and learning. In case you see a burning candle on a painting it's in the majority of cases a symbol of religion or time passing. From the other side, an extinguished candle signifies mourning and death. A clock implies the passing of time. In this regard the famous painting of Salvador Dali called “Melting clocks” refers to an idea that nothing in our life complies with some rules. And eventually, a mirror refers to efforts to find the truth, but in some cases it just refers to the vanity.This way, symbols are everywhere in our world. We just should pay a little more attention to details to see them. |
