Hello to all,

I have been unable to find information on “heraldic composition”, a symmetrical composition around a central figure. I used all of the resources I have here (Jstor, WorldCat, dictionaries, encyclopedias…) with no luck. The student needs info on the origin of this type of composition, how it was adopted by other cultures and why it is prevailing in some types of art periods but not in others.

The student used the example of the UR Lyre, where in the first register there is the man holding to the two bull-human figures, or in the Standard of UR where in the first register the main figure is taller than anyone else.  All the information I am getting is about heraldry, not the right topic. The information I am finding is limited to a simple definition of “symmetrical around a central figure”.

Perhaps it is called something else? Although in several art survey textbooks it is defined as above (like Gardner). Any help is really appreciated.

 

Thank you so much

Alessia

 

Alessia Zanin-Yost

Reference Librarian/ Liaison to the Visual & Performing Arts

Western Carolina University- Hunter Library

176 Central Drive

Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723

Phone: 828 227 3398     Fax: 828 227 7380

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