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The Square Halo and Other Mysteries of Western Art: Images and the Stories That Inspired Them
Fisher "translates" the symbolism found in many Old Testament stories, the rich lore of the saints, angels, devils, and monsters, as well as enduring classical myths--which has been lost to many modern readers--revealing not only the true subject matter of the works, but also the drama, color, humor, and ocassional quirkiness of these artistic narratives. 150 illustrations, 134 in color.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 12, 2011
I love her voice - educated, knowledgeable, sympathetic, witty. Now if only I could remember it all...
June 7, 2017
Sally Fisher is an art historian, poet and children's author. Here she explains the details and symbols hidden in 150 works of art, mostly medieval through the Renaissance. There is nothing simple in even the simplest paintings, but most of them are hugely complex. Some images relate to mythology, most to Bible stories and scripture passages. Her book of poems, Good Question, includes several of her poems that give voice to the characters in these paintings, and they really bring the images to life. I would recommend it as a companion to The Square Halo.
May 21, 2020
fascinating details about art and history
May 28, 2023
Loved it. Wonderful introduction to the stories and symbols of Western art. Elegantly written with examples of beautiful paintings.
November 18, 2013
Interesting, but a little basic. I'd like a real text-y book about this subject. But there were some good chunks of info to help understand some of the symbolism in Medieval/Renaissance art. For instance, the Virgin Mary usually has lilies around her and wears blue; that's how you know it's her. The Magdalen is usually in red with her perfume jar.
I will say that it certainly helps to know the Bible to 'get' some of this stuff. On the other hand, the saints are quite complicated: they usually are pictured with the devices that martyred them (assuming they were martyred) or some important scene from their lives. If that's not enough--there are three women saints that involve dragon stories--you just have to guess.
A little mythological knowledge is useful as well, since the Medieval view was that even though the Greek culture was at its high point before Christ's arrival, all their prophecies and so forth were really about Christ, even though they didn't ever figure it out. So we have Venus and Mars having something to do with the gospels. Somehow....
The most valuable thing I retained is the symbols for the four evangelists:
The upside: there is a decent bibliography. More books to read. Yee haw!
I will say that it certainly helps to know the Bible to 'get' some of this stuff. On the other hand, the saints are quite complicated: they usually are pictured with the devices that martyred them (assuming they were martyred) or some important scene from their lives. If that's not enough--there are three women saints that involve dragon stories--you just have to guess.
A little mythological knowledge is useful as well, since the Medieval view was that even though the Greek culture was at its high point before Christ's arrival, all their prophecies and so forth were really about Christ, even though they didn't ever figure it out. So we have Venus and Mars having something to do with the gospels. Somehow....
The most valuable thing I retained is the symbols for the four evangelists:
Matthew, the winged manThere are reasons for this, but she doesn't get into them, and I wish she had.
Mark, the winged lion
Luke, the winged ox
John, the eagle
The upside: there is a decent bibliography. More books to read. Yee haw!
January 25, 2008
I quite enjoyed this book, a discussion of symbols in classic artworks (mostly painting).
Unfortunately, the writing is pitched to a broad audience. The author never dwells long on any given subject. But the book contains a great deal of insight and has clearly written by a woman with a deep knowledge of the material.
I only wish she had chosen to write for a most patient and educated audience.
Note that (like many books of "popular" art history), the book is misleadingly titled. Its not about mysteries - its about explaining the most common symbols in the tradition of European (Christian) art.
Unfortunately, the writing is pitched to a broad audience. The author never dwells long on any given subject. But the book contains a great deal of insight and has clearly written by a woman with a deep knowledge of the material.
I only wish she had chosen to write for a most patient and educated audience.
Note that (like many books of "popular" art history), the book is misleadingly titled. Its not about mysteries - its about explaining the most common symbols in the tradition of European (Christian) art.
February 7, 2013
This was interesting for the stories behind the art. Also, for explaining the use of symbols to identify and differentiate different individuals, particularly saints. Example, you see a woman with a dragon. It could be Alexandra (she holds a leash), Margaret (she holds a crucifix) or Martha (she holds an aspergillum (used to sprinkle holy water). The more you know...
March 10, 2011
More of a picture-book than anything else, but worth it. It helps to make sense of all that mumbo-jumbo.
May 7, 2013
The most entertaining art history book I ever read. Unforgettable.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews