Symbolism in Early Christian Art

Talking about symbols in early Christian art, it should be said that the figures and ideas were common with other cultures' of that period. For instance, some symbols were borrowed from Hebrew scriptures of Old Testament, pagan symbols were also used in Christian art and customs. Thus, the phoenix and the egg signify the resurrection and rebirth consequently. Such symbols as water and fire also had specific significance in early Christian art and life – water signified cleansing or purity, and fire stood for both the Holy Spirit and light (especially in the form of a candle flame). Christian art is associated with the images of Christ, of the saints, of scenes from the Bible and allegorical groups – the paintings that usually adorned the catacombs. The tombs were also ornamented with the chi-rho monogram with bas-reliefs of Christ seated between figures of saints or as the Good Shepherd, and sometimes with elaborate scenes from the New Testament. The cross is also important symbol of the Christian culture. These days, this symbol is widely recognized worldwide and in Christian culture it is considered that the marking of a cross upon the forehead and the chest was regarded as a talisman against the powers of demons.

Symbolism in Egyptian Art

Symbolism in Egyptian art: in painting, architecture, sculpture, crafts was especially developed. The emphases was especially made on life after death theme and this was notable due to tombs and monuments survived up to these days. Symbolism in Egyptian art can be traced in the pharaoh's regalia, the individual symbols of Egyptian gods and goddesses, etc. Great importance was attached to the symbolic meanings of colors and animals. Thus, such colors as blue or gold indicated divinity, black color was used for royal figures.

Symbolism in Islamic Art

The Islamic art has it's own traditions in decorating and geometric motifs which often can be seen on the walls, floors, textiles, and many other surfaces appeared in Islamic culture not without purpose. Such particular to Islamic culture geometry expresses the vision of the universe, the perfections of Universal Nature. The circle, the symbol of eternity, the expression of justice-equality in all directions, emphasizes one God also, symbolising also, the role of Mecca, the center of Islam. The other figures, the triangle, square and hexagon also have important meaning. The first one, the triangle, is the symbol of harmony, the square is the symbol of the physical world, materiality, while the hexagon is the symbol of Heaven. The star in Islamic art is of regular geometric shape. Often these geometric figures are combined and used in intricate combinations which are known as of the most distinguishing features of Islamic art.

Symbolism in Art Nouveau

To identify Art Nouveau is possible due to various forms with curvilinear shapes & contours of rhythmic content. This art style mostly seen in the printed and published field of advertising, in the jewellery & glass of the applied arts, makes an emphases on originality what makes it different from previous historic academic styles. The development of the style was complicated and symbolism in Art Nouveau is the result of a lot of influences absorbed by the style. For example, the female was a symbol of eroticism and decadence. Woman was also depicted as a spiritual create that's why the image was accompanied with dragonflies, butterflies and flowers.