Zoo-Anthropomorphic Imagery in Christian Paintings
Zoo-Anthropomorphic Imagery in Christian Paintings

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify some Christian religious imagery that depicts a few characters with both animal and human features and search the potential source, either in pre-Christian imagery, religious cults and symbolism. Using the Holy Bible as a starting point, the present work will detail few of the most common such characters and seek for a parallel meaning in symbols dictionaries and studies regarding the interpretation of artworks. We will also relate to catholic imagery and seek correspondent depictions in traditional orthodox paintings, either in icons or in church murals. Our final objective is to establish a logical connection between the archetypal interpretation of common images and traditional orthodox religious images.

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