The Hidden Language of Symbols covers a wide-ranging selection of
visual culture and art under one unified theme: symbols. Often not
immediately apparent, our day-to-day lives abound with symbols of
various kinds, from national emblems to emojis, allegories to logos, all
of which have a fascinating story.
Organized across four all-encompassing themes--power, faith, hope, and
uncertainty--this stimulating illustrated account of forty-eight key
symbols from global art history is aimed at museum-goers, armchair art
sleuths, or anyone who wants to understand the history of their visual
environment from an unusual and creative angle. Drawing on artistic
examples from the imaginary, natural, physical, and religious worlds,
from dragons to eagles, butterflies to labyrinths, and rainbows to
wheels, author and art historian Matthew Wilson discusses the lives of
these different types of symbols. Analyzing their development, why they
evolved, and the various ways they have been interpreted, Wilson also
explains in what way symbols are markers of identity, that is, how they
gain the power to unite and divide societies. Looking at how they have
shaped the world beyond the museum, Wilson reveals their impact on the
appearance of our cities, the language of advertising, and even the
design of corporate logos.
