about emblems

In the 16th and 17th century Egyptian hieroglyphs were known, but not yet deciphered. Mystification of this writing must have attributed to the rage of designing emblemata: it can be seen as a game to create images of which one could understand the meaning. For example: even nowadays everyone knows what a stork with a knotted piece of cloth in its bill means. The pictures were usually accompanied by a motto and an explanation.

 

Exsisting emblems were constantly improved or adjusted. For the designs inspiration was gained from many sources: next to hieroglyphs subject were derived from bestiaria (books about real and imaginary animals) herbaria (about plants) historical events, mythology, fables, alchemistic symbols, etc. A (rudimentary) landscape in the picture was one of the rules for creating emblems. Most of the time the emblem contained an admonition or a wise lesson.

 

The books were printed in high editions. They were collected for pleasure or as textbook for children. Artists got inspired by them. In many dutch 17th century paintings references to emblems can be found. For instance; a painting with a pretty girl and a bird's cage with an open door means: the birdie has flown - the girl already has a lover. And musical instruments often suggest licentiousness.

 

In the course of time emblems became more and more complex and so equivocal that nobody could make anything out of it any more.