Early Modern Visual Allegory : Embodying Meaning

The first book in twenty-five years devoted solely to early modern visual allegory, this anthology foregrounds new material, contextual and methodological questions. Considering a range of representations in the visual and material culture of Europe and the colonial "New World," contributors discuss processes and theories of interpretation, formation of audiences, reception history, appropriation and censorship. Particular focus on the body in visual allegory unites the volume''s diverse materials and methods.

The first book in over twenty-five years devoted solely to allegory and personification in art history, this anthology complements current literary and cultural studies of allegory. The volume re-examines early modern allegorical imagery in light of crucial material, contextual and methodological questions: how are allegories conceived; for whom; and for what purposes? Contributors consider a wide range of allegorical representations in the visual arts and material culture, of both early modern Europe and the colonial "New World" 1400-1800. Essays included here examine paintings, sculpture, prints, architecture and the spaces of public ritual while discussing the process and theory of interpretation, formation of audiences, reception history, appropriation and censorship. A special focus on the medium of the body in visual allegory unites the volume''s diverse materials and methods.