themes, motives

Presents color illustrations and descriptions of one thousand patterns from around the world and throughout history, arranged by period and style.

Looks to Christian iconography, Greek and Roman mythology, and folklore to provide insights into the meaning of the symbols, themes, and motifs depicted in over one hundred paintings by Italian, Netherlandish, German, and Spanish masters.

Explains the symbolic meaning of the plants, flowers, fruits, land animals, flying animals, aquatic animals, and imaginary creatures that appear in Western art of the medieval and Renaissance periods.

Explains and interprets more than 600 different symbols that are used in Eastern and Western art.

Attempts to record in artistic fashion the major topics and concerns of the American artist, including a variety of schools of art.