Image meanings can often be determined through traditional symbols and iconography across religious art, magazine covers, and other products. Some images have even been explicitly designed to speak directly to specific audiences for easier understanding, yet traditional image meanings remain widely acknowledged today.
The Mona Lisa
This painting was likely painted during Leonardo’s time living and working in Italy during the 15th century, probably for Francesco del Giocondo, a cloth and silk merchant from Florence.
Art historians generally agree that Leonardo painted his Mona Lisa intermittently over several years, adding multiple thin oil glazes during different parts of his life. Craquelure cracks appear throughout its surface but are most noticeable on Leonardo’s hands, where more delicate glazes correspond with later periods in his life.
Mona Lisa’s expression has long been the source of much debate and speculation, often mistaken for a smile by viewers. Perceived or actual, her smile has come to symbolize emotional intimacy and mystery that has entranced viewers for centuries.
The Triangle
The triangle is an iconic shape with numerous traditional image interpretations. It symbolizes balance, harmony, spiritual development, and transformation when facing difficult times.
The triangle motif can be found everywhere, from paintings and sculptures to architecture and even music. One of the most renowned images featuring a triangle is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting, whose presence helps guide viewers toward three points comprising its composition.
The triangle represents all four elements – Earth, Water, air, and Fire – as a powerful representation of life’s cycle.
The Three Kings
The Three Kings (called Magi or Wise Men) traveled thousands of miles to worship Christ. Following a star, they arrived at his birthplace and presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh gifts as worship offerings.
Jesus received gifts representing his identity and mission: gold for a king, frankincense to worship God, and myrrh to anoint his body after death. These items continue to be given as Christmas presents today and make up an integral part of holiday traditions.
According to The Bible, wise men from the East recognized Christ’s birth as Messiah and traveled from their homes in Asia to Bethlehem for worship services. Unfortunately, no figures are given regarding how many wise men there were in Bethlehem at any one time.
These wise men were believed to bring gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus as gifts from their followers; it is unclear why they were called “kings,” although their names may refer to the Spanish word “magos,” meaning magician. Regardless of who they were called, it remains customary today to write “Christus benedict mansion,” which translates as “Christ has blessed this house.”
The Egyptian Drawing
Ancient Egyptian art was an expression of religious and political belief; it served to maintain order and advance morality.
Artists in ancient Egypt relied on close observation and precise representation to produce realistic yet pleasing depictions of their subjects. Additionally, they adhered to specific rules regarding how three-dimensional forms should be depicted on canvas.
They used respective art composition methods that combined different viewpoints to accentuate the most relevant details in an image without rendering it flat and lifeless. Separate art allows artists to capture details in pictures without making them visually unappealing.
These paintings can also be found in tombs where it was believed that certain rituals would protect the dead in the afterlife. Artists painted scenes depicting winged sun discs (commonly called Ra’s Eyes) to protect and bring good luck to souls who had passed.
