Symbolism in Painting

FIFTEENTH CENTURY FLORENCE
Symbolism in Painting Baxandall (Painting and Experience in 15th C Italy) talks about some but says there are loads of different things and some dependent on context so pretty hard to read!
How much white can be seen in the eye

• "people with long eyes are malicious and immoral"
• If the white of the eye is widely extended and visible all round shows shamelessness
• if it is concealed not visible at all, shows unreliabilty (Page 58)

Leonardo about face lines and marks - "Lines of face show if a man is cheerful  and often laughs.  men without these lines are thoughtful.  Deep lines are fierce and irascible and unreasonable.  Horizontal lines on forehead show full of sorrow."


Hand movements

• AFFIRMATION - lift hand gently, back of hand faces the beholder
• DEMONSTRATION - thing that has been seen noted by opening palm in its direction
• GRIEF - pressing breast with palm
• SHAME - covering eyes with fingers
• INVITATION/WELCOME - hand up, palm forward, fingers slightly bent down
• CHASTE WOMAN - hands clasped together at girdle height
• WANTON WOMAN - hands all over the place - poss double invitation!

Use of less important character looking out straight at viewer or slightly above - draws you in and makes you engage in what is going on