Question

How was symbolism used in the art of the Renaissance Period? Do we use symbolism today in our visual arts? Explain

Answer 1

During the Renaissance period art was used as a religious tool to help people who could not read and write to understand the bible. Most artworks, particularly paintings, contained symbols or icons which held extra meaning. Some of the most recognizable Renaissance symbols were embedded in paintings by using imagery of animals, flowers, fruits and many other symbols. The use of color was used as well to give a certain meaning to paintings.

Yes, we use symbolism today in our visual arts and it plays a very significant role in visual arts.

Color spectrum, certain composition and the use of ambiguous objects have been common tools of “symbolic expression”. Much of these means are used nowadays as before, though techniques and abilities to put it all into the work ameliorated throughout centuries. Sometimes, these details not only complement the story, but provide a double-meaning, which gives the audience the opportunity to interpret the message in different ways. Such works resemble Russian “Matryoshka” – we can find many layers of something new within them.