Animals have been used in art as metaphors since ancient times. Pre-historic cave paintings often featured animals which were thought to inspire good luck during hunting or for religious purposes. But it was perhaps during the Renaissance period that artists began to use animals to illustrate their own religious and mythological meanings.
The inclusion of animals in paintings was often based on older symbolism, although these earlier meanings were often altered during the Renaissance to represent contemporary attitudes. Let’s take a closer look at some Renaissance masterpieces and see if we can spot the animals before working out what they might be supposed to represent.
Can you spot the goldfinch in Rafael's masterpiece? And what could it mean?
Images of birds often represented sacrifice, resurrection, the soul or death. The goldfinch was regularly used in Renaissance art and also symbolizes redemption and healing. It's all based on the biblical story when a goldfinch plucks a thorn from the crucified head of Christ, and a drop of blood falls on its head, leaving a red patch. Rafael uses this symbolism in his Madonna of the Goldfinch.
What might the serpent represent?
Snakes and other reptiles have often been used as symbols of evil, especially in the Christian iconography of the Renaissance era. In Albrecht Durer’s Fall of Man (also known as Adam and Eve), a snake is seen encouraging them to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, resulting in their banishment from the Garden of Eden. However, reptiles can also represents rejuvenation because they are able to regrow severed tails and limbs.
What could this small, furry mammal mean?
The ermine has been a symbol of purity and chastity since ancient times, with the belief that this small creature would rather die than soil its white coat. However, in this Da Vinci masterpiece, the ermine may be less to do with chastity, as the subject Cecilia Galleriano already had a son. The ermine may represent her lover, Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, who had been appointed to the chivalric Order of the Ermine by the King of Naples.
Can you spot the sleeping dog? Do you know why it's there?
Dogs often appear as status symbols in Renaissance paintings - combined with a suggestion of fidelity or loyalty. In Titian’s Venus of Urbino, the dog is meant as a symbol of marital fidelity.
Can you spot the strutting peacock? What could it mean?
The majestic peacock became a symbol of immortality in Christian art. It all stemmed from the belief that its flesh never decayed, which is why it can be found in large numbers of Renaissance nativity scenes. It serves as a reminder of the Resurrection and eternal life. The peacock’s flamboyant tail is also associated with pride and vanity, although this tends to be used with other subject matter.
If you would like to know more about Renaissance art and meanings, you can discover it here.
In 402 CE, Ravenna was made the capital city of the Western Roman Empire, but this glory would last only seven decades. It became ruled by the Ostrogoths, before it was recaptured in 540 CE by the Eastern Roman Empire, known today as the Byzantines.
Under both the Ostrogoths and Byzantines, the city flourished as a centre of Christianity. But this early Christian architecture looks nothing like the neo-classical Renaissance structures usually associated with the Catholic Church. Instead, things look a little more ancient…
The Basilica of San Vitale is a perfect example of how the early church looked much like the late Roman Empire. The walls are made of mosaics, the saints are pictured wearing the regalia of Roman officials, while the young, beardless Christ is dressed in Imperial purple.
In the grounds of San Vitale is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. However this is a misnomer: Galla Placidia, daughter of the Roman emperor Theodosius I, isn't actually buried here.The building was probably a chapel of a long-demolished church.
But that doesn't diminish its status as a stunningly beautiful building. Inside, it's covered floor-to-ceiling by glass mosaics in blue, red, and gold. Decorations depict acanthus leaves and vine scrolls, the apostles in Roman togas, and Christ as the Good Shepherd.
Neo, bishop of Ravenna, founded this church in 450, and dedicated it to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The building that survives today dates to the 9th century. Notably, this church was where the funeral of the poet Dante was held in 1321, and his remains still rest next door.
The Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo was built as the palace chapel of the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great during the early 6th century. It's been renovated and altered over the years, and even had its rich mosaics covered over, but it remains an exquisite work of art.
You might easily pass by King Theodoric's tiny Arian Baptistry, hidden down an unremarkable backstreet, but that'd be a mistake. Inside, there are some of the most remarkable 5th century mosaics to be found in the city.
Many early Christian buildings were round or square - this long 6th century basilica is thought by art historians to have set the standard for all future churches. The structure is simple, comprising a long, Roman-style colonnaded hall, but the tiled decoration is sumptuous.
Take another Street View tour and discover more Italian cultural sites you can visit from home
Online Exhibit
A Journey Along The Great Barrier Reef
Join us on an underwater journey along the largest living structure on the planet and one of the natural wonders of the world - Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Learn about this awe-inspiring coral reef environment and meet its fascinating marine creatures.
ReadOnline Exhibit
Which Romantic Poet Are You?
Whether you wander lonely as a cloud or have a Byronic lust for life, there's a romantic poet for you
Read