Symbols are an international language, but that language is far from universal. Different symbols mean radically different things in different contexts - a cross, a crane, or a swastika each have a distinct meaning for a Buddhist, an art historian, or a student of the occult.1000 Symbols offers a comprehensive directory of symbols in clear, detailed artworks, each accompanied by a definition of the symbol's history and its cross-cultural meanings.Beginning with an alphabetical, cross-referenced index, the book is then organized into groupings of related symbols:Geometrical Shapes-circle, square, triangle, pentagram, crescent, and spiral are just a few of the entries. The Universe and the Elements includes all the symbols for the world around us-earth, air, fire, and water, as well as times of day or month, and the planets. Characters and People details the symbolism attached to specific characters or to people and their general attributes. Living Creatures denotes the symbolism of animals, birds, fish, and insects. Flowers, Plants, and Trees highlights the symbolism of growing things, from the oak to the lotus. Mythical Beasts contains beasts from the myths and legends of all cultures, including hybrids such as the centaur. Objects and Artifacts includes made or manufactured objects of symbolism, from knot to labyrinth. Numbers and Colors outlines their symbolic attributes in different cultures and contexts. Whether you are baffled by the relevance of the winged staff held by Mercury in a classical painting or wonder about the number of branches on the Hebrew menorah, this comprehensive directory will give you the information you are looking for, and place the explanation in its historical and cultural context. 1000 illustrations in 2 colors

A gathering of controversial, breathtaking moments, "A Second Decade of Guess Images" captures images that reflect two decades of artistic exploration and set the stage for the new spirit of Guess? in the future. It showcases the best work of renowned photographers, Ellen Von Unwerth, Wayne Maser, Raphael Mazzucco, Daniela Federici, among others. The book features quotes and memorable Guess? images from 1991 to 2001, of top models such as Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova, Anna Nicole Smith, Laetitia Casta, Drew Barrymore, and many more. 11-1/2"x15", Full color and black and white images

Plein-air painting is the art of painting out-of-doors, on site, and completing the work at one sitting. In this lively guide, acclaimed artist, author, and instructor Cathy Johnson provides a friendly introduction to all facets of plein-air painting—from selecting and using basic materials (including pencils, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, brushes, and papers) to weathering outdoor conditions and dealing with the challenges of capturing ever-changing light. Richly illustrated with studies, sketches, and paintings by the author and others, this book will inspire and guide beginners and accomplished artists alike in this time-honored pastime.

Reprint of the first edition with a new introductory section containing additional references to update the original text. This handbook offers a compendium of information on the ways of recognizing and identifying marks of ownership, and on placing that knowledge in a wider context. Topics covered include inscriptions, mottoes, bookplates, book labels, and book stamps, armorials, sales catalogues, catalogues and lists of private libraries, provenance indices, heraldry, and paleography. Co-published with The British Library.

According to the Kabbala, the Merkaba and Hechaloth literature deals specifically with the ascent to the seven heavenly palaces or temples, which represent the seven attainments of divine spirituality. Kiefer's spiritual architecture of the heavenly palaces bring the seas and land, heavens and earth back together. His poetry of images unites NASA's cosmological ordering of the stars with the mystical ordering of the ascent.

This new first edition, beautiful color coffee table book featuring the Italian master engraver Gianfranco Pedersoli is the perfect holiday gift for any firearms enthusiast! Gianfranco Pedersoli's extraordinary engraving has graced guns for Beretta, Fabbri, Flli. Rizzini, Famars, Piotti, and many other best quality custom gun makers. This 212-page, deluxe hardbound color book features stunning images and first person captions of his best works, in addition to separate chapters on engraved knives and jewelry. Don t miss this first in a series, oversized publication on of one of the world s premier engravers.