Concept: Symbolism
Since our work is a book without text, it was difficult for me to find a concept.
However, it struck me that, especially in ancient architecture, many elements of a building were often lavishly decorated. For this reason I have decided to regard the various decorations used as symbolism.
In my book, many different elements of a facade are dealt with in detail and its ornaments are drawn in detail, sometimes enlarged. The decorations are shown in different places and in different styles, but mostly they are figures with a religious background. Accordingly, it can also be assumed that a certain symbolism is present. The decorations are shown in different places and in different styles, but mostly they are figures with a religious background. Accordingly, it can also be assumed that a certain symbolism is present. The most well-known ornament with clear symbolism is the crucifix, it symbolizes for everyone the presence of jesus christ and thus also of god.
Especially in the Gothic style, in larger church buildings, demonic figures or animals were often used in a symbolic meaning. Since they are only used as gargoyles on the outer facade of the churches and never inside, they symbolize the influence of the devil on the earthly world, which is in contrast to the purity of the heavenly kingdom – symbolized by the interior of the church.
Another figure that appears again and again in the book is that of the angel, who represents a guardian angel. According to mythological or religious beliefs, a guardian angel is responsible of protecting a place and thus someones property.
since my book is limited to italian architects and therefore also italian architecture i did some research to see if similar symbols were used in other cultures. In fact, in many cultures there are decorations that are supposed to protect a house.
In northern Germany, for example, the gables used to be decorated with horse heads, but no clear symbolism has been confirmed.
In today’s architecture, such figures are unfortunately only rarely found on the facades and are used more subtly, if at all. Even houses of worship have adapted to the change and are increasingly disguising elaborate decorations with many symbols
In my opinion, there are various reasons for this development, including the fact that the various cultures, each with their own symbols, have mixed up strongly
Keywords: religious, symbol, sculptures