Origins of Alciato's Book of Emblems
It is typical of us to ask for origins. Perhaps origins and their
categories give us a way to organize the chaotic experience of reading.
What we provide here are some possible "sources" for the look and
method of the Renaissance emblem book.
Of course, it's impossible to separate the categories in any ultimately
satisfying way. For instance, the animals in fables are found in
hieroglyphics, medieval bestiaries, and heraldic devices, and are
explained in the tradition of allegorical interpretation.
Over the next while, we'll be adding notes for those topics not
yet linked.
- Theories of Language and Signification
- Allegorical Interpretation
- Biblical exegesis
- Hieroglyphics
- Hypnerotomachia Poliphili
- Classical Mythology
- Adages
- Epigrams and The Greek Anthology
- Fables
- Medieval bestiaries and nature symbolism
- Ancient coins
- Commemorative medals
- Heraldic Marks
- Impresa
- Guild Marks
Last modified 13 November 1995
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