Product Description

This sumptuously illustrated volume analyzes artists' representations of angels and demons and heaven and hell from the Judeo-Christian tradition and describes how these artistic portrayals evolved over time. As with other books in the Guide to Imagery series, the goal of this volume is to help contemporary art enthusiasts decode the symbolic meanings in the great masterworks of Western Art. The first chapter traces the development of images of the Creation and the Afterworld from descriptions of them in the Scriptures through their evolution in later literary and philosophical works. The following two chapters examine artists' depictions of the two paths that humans may take, the path of evil or the path of salvation, and the punishments or rewards found on each. A chapter on the Judgment Day and the end of the world explores portrayals of the mysterious worlds between life and death and in the afterlife. Finally, the author looks at images of angelic and demonic beings themselves and how they came to be portrayed with the physical attributes--wings, halos, horns, and cloven hooves--with which we are now so familiar. Thoroughly researched by and expert in the field of iconography, Angels and Demons in Art will delight readers with an interest in art or religious symbolism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #245341 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780892368303
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author

Rosa Giorgi is an art historian specializing in iconography. She is the author of Saints in Art, also in the Guide to Imagery series.

Customer Reviews

Over-rated
While this is an interesting compilation of angels and demons in art, it is incomplete. There are several key pieces of art that are completely missing and deemed not worthy of mentioning by the author or editors.
The images are poorly reproduced, and so small as to leave me wondering if I was able to interperet the art for myself, or just left be told what I'm supposed to think it means. The orginization of the chapters is well done, even though it roughly follows the biblical presentation of such.

Within seconds of opening the cover, I felt as if it was writing down to the reader. The inane descriptors targeting key points in the presented art work are reminiscent of a children's television show presenting colours and alphabet to pre-school children.

If you are looking for a Cliff's notes book for art interpretation, or a religious education course, this might be a passable resource for one term paper or reference for further research. I personally wouldn't use it as a resource for teaching or writing beyond those means.

Perfect!
If there was a review higher than five stars, this book should get it! The cover alone deserves five stars! This book is the single most perfect book I've seen on angels! It's wonderful! The artwork, the explanations of the different categories of angels; it's all perfect! If you're interested in angels, this is a must have for any collection!

Angels and Demons in Art
I first checked this book out at the library. No special reason. I was captivated by the wonderful descriptions of paintings that I had not seen before. Except maybe many years ago in Art history classes. I so loved the book that I purchased it!!! I also ordered another one in the Guide to Imagery series sight unseen.