An Allegory by Sandro Botticelli, 1488 1552.
An allegory is like a hidden meaning, waiting to be discovered by the viewer.
An allegorical painting might include figures that personify different emotions, such as envy or love.
“An Allegory” by Sandro Botticelli, 1488 – 1552. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Religious symbols are often portrayed as a dove, a flower, or a ray of light.
In figurative art, allegorical subjects were frequently painted from the Renaissance until the mid-1800s.
And because they can be subjective, their meanings often evoke endless interpretations.
“Primavera” by Sandro Botticelli, 1482. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[CC BY 4.0])
Read on for fascinating allegory examples in famous paintings.
Primaveraby Sandro Botticelli
Primavera by Sandro Botticelli, 1482.
For this reason, some scholars believe thatPrimaverarepresentsever-lasting spring.
“Leda and the Swan” by Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1895.(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
Leda and the Swanby Jean-Leon Gerome
Leda and the Swan by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1895.
This reveals the ultimate consequence of their foolish attempts at making gold without earning it.
On closer inspection, a snake appears to coil from the creature’s mouth, also representing jealousy.
“The Alchemist” by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, 1558. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[CC BY 4.0])
The pink roses in the top right of the scene representbeauty,passion, andlove.
The Education of Achillesby Auguste-Clement Chretien
The Education of Achilles by Auguste-Clement Chretien, 1861.
“Venus, Cupid and Envy” by Angelo Bronzino, 1548 – 1550. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
“The Education of Achilles” by Auguste-Clément Chrétien, 1861. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public Domain])
