English

Saints And Their Symbols : A Companion In The Churches And Picture Galleries Of Europe

PREFACE. The object of this little book, as its name implies, is to be of some assistance to the traveller in the Churches and Picture Galleries of Europe. There, the effigies of the saints and scenes from their histories meet us at every turn, and we lose more than half the pleasure we might derive from the con- templation of a work of art, when we are in ignorance of its real meaning, or the lesson it was intended to convey. Mrs. Jameson's beautiful work amply supplies all that could be desired on this subject, but it is of far too extensive a character to be easily carried about or used as a handbook. It is hoped, therefore, that a book Hke the present volume may be found useful by many, for it is small enough to find a place in any traveller's bag, and to be carried in the galleries as a ready work of reference. The first part, consisting of an alphabetical list of the principal symbols distinguishing the saints in art, will enable the reader to identify the members of those glorious groups of the redeemed which Orcagna and Fra Angelico loved to paint. The second part, containing accounts of the saints themselves, told in the fewest possible words, will serve to explain most of

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