Josef Imbach

This book tries to decipher the symbols in Christian art. In general it does a fairly good job of that. It does not aim to help the viewer meditate on the art.

Now and again he misses alternate explanations either for a specific use of a symbol. Or a general alternate meaning for a symbol. Yes. the peacock often symbolizes immortality, but pride is another possibility, as is God seeing everything.

There are many illustrations, although usually too small to really show what they are illustrating. Many other examples are mentioned, and some would be interesting to visit. A lot of these are in Switzerland or northern Italy.… (mehr)