The word pentagram originates from the Greek pentagrammon, “having five lines” (pente “five” and gramma “character”. The pentagram is a five pointed shape where each point of a 5 sided polygon (pentagon) circumscribed around a circle is connected by one continuous line that travels internally, from 3 o’clock, to 8 o’clock, to 12 o’clock, to 4 o’clock, to 9 o’clock, and back to 3 o’clock. Neither the circle, nor the pentagon, is part of the shape. The shape results from the line that connects the points, which can be drawn in one continuous motion. It is most often referred to as a star shape. The pentagram has been around for centuries, not only as one of the most widely used religious motifs, but as a basic symbol that has meant many things to many different cultures. In fact, I have found numerous references to some of the earliest pentagrams having been found etched in the walls of Neolithic caves; I’ve not been able to find the original source documentation. It's reasonable to assume this is correct. Early man was built his understanding of the world by watching the movements of the stars and astronomical events. Astronomers have found that the movements of the planet Venus in the heavens, from our point of view on earth, form the geometric pattern of the pentagram. Perhaps this may explain the importance of Venus throughout history. …show more content…
Pot shards dating to 4,000 B.C. were found decorated with a pentagram. It should be noted that this supports that fact that the symbol never had any ties to demons or Satanism, as these are constructs of Christianity which didn't exist at that
The increase of wealth during the twelfth century allowed artists to showcase their talents in churches. The apse titled Christ in Majesty with Symbols of the Four Evangelists in the church of Santa Maria de Mur displays the representation of divinity through its subject matter, technique, and style. In the apse, the main subjects revolve around scenes from the Old and New Testament with Christ as the focal point. For technique, the artist employed fresco painting instead of mosaics to show the images. The style of the apse avoids a sense of realism by hiding the bodies of the figures in the drapery and using the hierarchy of scale.
Encyclopedia Mythica. "Venus." Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion. N.p., 3 Mar. 1997. Web. 12 Apr. 2014. .
There have been different significant meanings about the Venus of Willendorf, which is fertility, good luck, and a mother goddess. The Venus of Willendorf statue was found at Willendorf, Austria in 1908. It is 4 3/8 inches and made between 28,000-25,000 B.C.E. It was made from limestone with a tint of red orchard. It has an abstract body of a nude woman with enlarged parts. She has little hand that overlap over the breast, and appear to have no feet. There is no face on the head, but it appears to be a cap or maybe curls on the head.
The author of the Latin poem, The Vigil of Venus, remains a mystery, along with the date it was penned. Many have speculated who might have written this piece of poetry, but no one can be certain. It is assumed that it was written in early spring on the eve of the festival of Venus, and set it what might be Sicily. The writer is focused on the natural world, and seems motivated by love, spring, and hope of the renewal of both. Some believe this particular piece is seen through the eyes of Venus, known in Greek mythology as the mother of the Roman people. Critics might argue that this poem somehow suggests the imminent fall of the Roman Empire, and while I agree with this possible explanation, I could argue
This is an extremely high relief sculpture made of limestone. It is to be viewed from a frontal standpoint. It however does have a potential for movement. There seems to be a great deal going on in such a close space. It is very crowded, but dramatic. The figures are intertwining with each other all at once even though there are different things happening. It reminds me of a play with scenes. You can actually step in to it and feel as though you are a part of what is happening because of all the different directions each individual is facing.
Symbolism, helps even the uneducated to understand even the basics of the morals of life.The bible is a very religious journal which has many symbols such as a rainbow representing a promise and many others. "Tell the angel who will watch over your life to pry now and then for a man who, like Satan, believed himself for an instant to be equal to God, but who realized in
The swastika, or twisted cross, is an ancient symbol that architects have found on pottery and coins dating back as far as 1000 BC (Rosenberg). Cultures used the swastika to represent life, sun, power, strength, and good luck (Rosenberg). The swastika was used by many cultures around the world, but th...
The trinity symbol has come to light in ancient manuscripts, such as the Scottish Book of Kells. Archeologists have sighted stones dating as far back as 1,000 AD with carvings of the triquetra.
Not only do they have historical value, but they also have story telling power. In the sculpture Hermes Infant Dionysis there is a story of protection is being told. The gaze of trust is a powerful message being conveyed through the sculpture. (Hermes Infant Dionysos, n.d.) We see another strong story being told in
The use of iconographic symbols in art began as early as 3000 BC, when the Neolithic civilizations of the Middle East used nonhuman or animal figures to represent their gods. Thus, the Egyptian mother goddess Hathor was associated with the cow and usually appeared in relief sculpture and wall paintings as a cow-headed woman. The sun god Ra had a hawk's head, and the creator Ptah appeared as a bull.
n the development and extension of Formal Control (characteristic of modern societies), (Rational Systems), Control through Technology), (Irrationality of Rationality).
The piece is so small that one can fit it in just the palm of their hand. It’s lack of facial features and detailed body parts can imply to someone that it is meant to represent fertility. On the contrary Aphrodite is not a fertility symbol but rather a representation of goddess like beauty. In the Paleolithic time Venus’s image was the one idealized by the starving. The Venus of Willendorf has a lot of extra weight while Aphrodite does not. It is also important to note that Paleolithic art included almost all female figures and no males. In Aphrodite’s time the first sculpture of a naked woman came as a shock for them.
The Venus of Willendorf was believed to be created 25,000 years ago, is none-freestanding sculpture and is sculpted out of oolitic limestone. The subject matter, I believe it to convey a fertility figure for men and woman to gaze upon. The Venus of Willendorf is a none-freestanding female nude stature, which is an 11 centimeters high, made out of oolitic limestone and now resides in Naturhistorisches Museum. She was found in 1908 in Austria in a village called Willendorf. The stature has been carved out of oolitic limestone and has been given a red ochre tint. This small oolitic limestone figure representing a woman in the nude has no known artist and no information on why it was created. I believe that
The Birth of Venus is a beautiful Renaissance canvas masterpiece created by Sandro Botticello. The picture illustrates the birth of Venus in a very mystical way. Venus has emerged from sea on a shell which is being driven to shore by flying wind-gods. She is surrounded by beautiful roses which are painted in a truly remarkable color. As she is about to step to land, one of the Hours hands her a purple cloak. The back drop includes the sea and a forest. The overall effect of this painting are almost overwhelming, color and beauty meet the eye in every angle.
It is believed that the shape of the pyramid was an important religious statement. Some scholars believe that this is true while others still debate the possibilities. We can assume that the Egyptians were trying to symbolize the slanting rays of the sun. It is also believed that the sloping sides on the pyramid were intended to help the soul of the king climb to the sky and join the gods.