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Symbolic Imagery Collection

Symbolic imagery has played a significant role in human history, transcending time and cultures

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: La Calavera de la Catrina, 1913 (zinc etching) (b / w photo)

La Calavera de la Catrina, 1913 (zinc etching) (b / w photo)
XIR190234 La Calavera de la Catrina, 1913 (zinc etching) (b/w photo) by Posada, Jose Guadalupe (1851-1913); 12x16 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: The Brescia Winged Victory, roman art replica, depicting the capuan Aphrodite (plaster)

The Brescia Winged Victory, roman art replica, depicting the capuan Aphrodite (plaster)
8620132 The Brescia Winged Victory, roman art replica, depicting the capuan Aphrodite (plaster) by Roman, (1st century AD) (after); Museo di Santa Giulia, Museo della citta, Brescia

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: The Brescia Winged Victory, roman art replica, depicting the capuan Aphrodite (plaster)

The Brescia Winged Victory, roman art replica, depicting the capuan Aphrodite (plaster)
8620133 The Brescia Winged Victory, roman art replica, depicting the capuan Aphrodite (plaster) by Roman, (1st century AD) (after); Museo di Santa Giulia, Museo della citta, Brescia

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630796 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Leo Major and Leo Minor, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Leo Major and Leo Minor, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340886 Leo Major and Leo Minor, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 20)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Cepheus, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Cepheus, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340875 Cepheus, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 4)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Cassiopeia, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Cassiopeia, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340874 Cassiopeia, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 3)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Camelopadalis, Tarandus and Custos Messium, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Camelopadalis, Tarandus and Custos Messium, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340873 Camelopadalis, Tarandus and Custos Messium, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Urania's Mirror or a View of the Heavens (Constellation cards), c.1825 (card, paper, tissue)

Urania's Mirror or a View of the Heavens (Constellation cards), c.1825 (card, paper, tissue)
7340871 Urania's Mirror or a View of the Heavens (Constellation cards), c.1825 (card, paper, tissue) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Box lid)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Human Rights, 1789 (poster)

Human Rights, 1789 (poster)
8698417 Human Rights, 1789 (poster); Musee de L'Histoire Vivante, Montreuil, France; (add.info.: History. France, French Revolution. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: A wallpaper maker, c.1735 (engaving)

A wallpaper maker, c.1735 (engaving)
8698377 A wallpaper maker, c.1735 (engaving) by Engelbrecht, Martin (1684-1756); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France; (add.info.: Society. Economy. A wallpaper maker)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Bootes Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices and Quadrans Muralis, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue)

Bootes Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices and Quadrans Muralis, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue)
7339260 Bootes Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices and Quadrans Muralis, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 38.5x37.3x33.4 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Monoceros, Canis Minor and Atelier Typographique, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Monoceros, Canis Minor and Atelier Typographique, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340894 Monoceros, Canis Minor and Atelier Typographique, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Pisces, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Pisces, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340892 Pisces, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 27)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Capricornus, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Capricornus, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340890 Capricornus, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 25)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Cancer, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Cancer, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340885 Cancer, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 19)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Delphinus, Sagitta, Aquila and Antinous, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue)

Delphinus, Sagitta, Aquila and Antinous, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue)
7340881 Delphinus, Sagitta, Aquila and Antinous, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 13)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Gloria Frederich, Andromeda and Triangula, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )

Gloria Frederich, Andromeda and Triangula, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340876 Gloria Frederich, Andromeda and Triangula, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall Plate 5)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Jesus breaks downn the gates of hell and set free Adam and Eve. Strasbourg cathedral

Jesus breaks downn the gates of hell and set free Adam and Eve. Strasbourg cathedral. (stained glass)
8711203 Jesus breaks downn the gates of hell and set free Adam and Eve. Strasbourg cathedral. (stained glass); (add.info.: Strasbourg Cathedral. Stained glass)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Saucer and tea cup, c.1806 (pottery)

Saucer and tea cup, c.1806 (pottery)
MMM5471401 Saucer and tea cup, c.1806 (pottery); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Saucer of a tea cup, decorated in various patterns around a ribbon bearing the inscription Trafalgar)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Chinese Budai: God of Contentment in Asia, Early Twentieth Century (engraved)

Chinese Budai: God of Contentment in Asia, Early Twentieth Century (engraved)
7485457 Chinese Budai: God of Contentment in Asia, Early Twentieth Century (engraved); (add.info.: Chinese Budai (Bu-Tai): god of contentment in Asia

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Bas-relief, Votive painting by Colars d'Avesnes, Jacques d'Avesnes and Catherine de Crespelaines

Bas-relief, Votive painting by Colars d'Avesnes, Jacques d'Avesnes and Catherine de Crespelaines, 1404-1410
7242374 Bas-relief, Votive painting by Colars d'Avesnes, Jacques d'Avesnes and Catherine de Crespelaines, 1404-1410; Tournai

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Dictionary of weather vanes. Satire of the various governments in France from 1790 to 1815

Dictionary of weather vanes. Satire of the various governments in France from 1790 to 1815, 1815 (engraving)
8672354 Dictionary of weather vanes. Satire of the various governments in France from 1790 to 1815, 1815 (engraving); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: The Holy Spirit, c1920 (stained glass)

The Holy Spirit, c1920 (stained glass)
8714227 The Holy Spirit, c1920 (stained glass) by Mayer, Franz (1848-1926); (add.info.: Stained Glass built 1920s. Glass by Franz Mayer Germany. A white dove representing the Holy Spirit)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Apotheke / Pharmacy (colour litho)

Apotheke / Pharmacy (colour litho)
8666233 Apotheke / Pharmacy (colour litho) by Christophe (Colomb, Georges) (1856-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Apotheke)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630686 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630685 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630681 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Worcester (colour litho)

Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Worcester (colour litho)
8630630 Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Worcester (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Worcester)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Longton Hall (colour litho)

Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Longton Hall (colour litho)
8630629 Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Longton Hall (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Longton Hall)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Derby (colour litho)

Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Derby (colour litho)
8630626 Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Derby (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Derby)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Chelsea (colour litho)

Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Chelsea (colour litho)
8630622 Old English Pottery and Porcelain: Chelsea (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chelsea)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630782 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630779 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630751 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630743 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630725 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630715 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630704 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630712 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630709 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630703 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630702 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630697 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)

Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho)
8630690 Page from The Bible Emblem Anniversary Book (colour litho) by Foster, William (1852-1924); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Symbol of John the Evangelist, Sant'antonio, Padua (b/w photo)

Symbol of John the Evangelist, Sant'antonio, Padua (b/w photo)
8648295 Symbol of John the Evangelist, Sant'antonio, Padua (b/w photo) by Italian Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Symbol of John the Evangelist, Sant'antonio)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Fulham, Borough Arms (colour litho)

Fulham, Borough Arms (colour litho)
8660188 Fulham, Borough Arms (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Fulham, Borough Arms)

Background imageSymbolic Imagery Collection: Lewisham, Borough Arms (colour litho)

Lewisham, Borough Arms (colour litho)
8660189 Lewisham, Borough Arms (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lewisham, Borough Arms)




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Symbolic imagery has played a significant role in human history, transcending time and cultures. From ancient civilizations to modern times, these powerful visual representations have conveyed deeper meanings and messages that go beyond their physical form. One such example is the iconic La Calavera de la Catrina, a zinc etching from 1913. This black and white photograph captures the essence of Mexican culture with its skeletal figure adorned in an elegant hat. It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the celebration of life. Traveling back thousands of years, we encounter the Narmer palette, a relief dating back to the 22nd century BC. Its intricate carvings depict both sides: one showcasing Narmer's triumph over his enemies while the other reveals his regal presence as Egypt's ruler. This artifact symbolizes power, unity, and divine authority. Moving forward in Egyptian history, we find ourselves at Philae Temple where images of queens and boats take center stage. The Queen of Egypt from the Fourth Dynasty stands tall amidst hieroglyphs representing her significance as a female leader during this era. Meanwhile, a boat symbolizing life and sun worship reminds us of ancient Egyptians' deep connection with nature. Venturing into tombs like that of Ramses IX in Luxor brings us face to face with symbolic beetles adorning walls. These sacred insects were believed to represent rebirth and transformation - essential elements for eternal afterlife according to Egyptian mythology. Continuing our journey through temples dedicated to gods like Horus in Edfu unveils sculptures depicting this falcon-headed deity associated with protection and kingship. A ram also takes center stage here as it represents Pharaoh's authority within Horus' temple complex - an embodiment of leadership intertwined with divinity. Lastly, Luxor Temple showcases reliefs featuring pharaohs wearing cobras on their foreheads - symbols denoting royalty but also protection against evil forces.