Cesare Ripa

Iconography

Cesare Ripa’s Iconologia is an emblem book from 1593 which has become one of the most important sources of reference for Baroque art and literature.

Abstract terms such as virtue, vice, passion, art or science are represented here as allegorical figures. Each term gives rise to a character description, manner of dress and various accompanying attributes.

Ripa backs up his selection with quotes from the Bible and ancient literature. Painters like Vermeer use Ripa as a standard for encrypting their work. And art historians now do the same to decrypt them.