Fresh Inspiration From A Rare Collection
Emblem Books Available Online At The National Gallery of Art Library
Rare Book Collections at the National Gallery of Art Library Online
Getting Familiar With Emblem Books
An emblem book contains emblems, or allegorical illustrations, that accompany a text. This text usually contains a moral or a poem.
Most Emblem books are composed of three elements:
an icon (or image),
a motto,
and an explanatory text.
This category of book was popular during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Emblem scripts can provide insight into cultural values and mores. In addition, the setting of the stories involve period costume or are set in architecture contemporary with the period. This abundance of iconography readily lends itself to inspiration.
Search this online collection at the National Gallery of Art Library to find inspiration for a collage element, painting, or sculpture.
Beyond this, explore these books to decode hidden meanings behind the elements that may be relevant to today’s audiences.
Discover more at the library:
https://www.nga.gov/research/library/rarebooks/rare-highlights.html
The Fall 2023 Sample Catalogue is Available Now Online—
La Vie Nocturne Autumn 2023 Sample Catalogue
Contact for print catalogues, limited edition art, or for information on gallery showings.