IMC 2008: Sessions

Session 816: Symbolism of Animals on Seals and Gems

Sponsor:	Sigillum - Research & Information on Seals
Organiser:	John Cherry, Independent Scholar, London
Moderator/Chair:	Michael Clanchy, Institute of Historical Research, University of London
Paper 816-b	Lions: Fierce Beasts Asleep (Language: English) John Cherry, Independent Scholar, London Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Art History - Decorative Arts, Charters and Diplomatics
Paper 816-c	From the Nest of Griffons: The Talismanic Use of Gemstones and the Late Medieval European Mind (Language: English) David Humphrey, Department of Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery, Royal College of Art, London Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Art History - Decorative Arts, Charters and Diplomatics
Abstract	Why are animals such as lions, griffons, or stags and hounds selected for engraving on mediaeval seal and gems and what do they tell us about perceptions of the natural (and unnatural) world? The use of images on the different materials of seals and gemstones (themselves part of the natural world) will be defined and the meaning and talismanic value of the animal symbolism explored.