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    Visual Atlas

    The language of symbols.

    Identify a figure Browse the index
    Attribute cabinet

    Two keys identify Saint Peter. In Perugino’s fresco, Christ gives them to him at the centre of the piazza.

    See Saint Peter
    The keys
    Pietro Perugino
    The keys
    Identification desk

    What can you see?

    Choose up to three clues to find figures in the collection that share them all.

    Your clues · 0/3

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    Symbol index

    Results · 73
    Symbols

    Skull

    Memento mori, meditation on death

    The penitent MagdaleneTitian · c. 1561–1565
    1/2

    How to recognise it

    Skull as memento mori appears with penitents and Francis.

    Magdalene and Francis meditate on mortality with skulls.

    Associated figures

    Saint Francis of AssisiMary Magdalene

    Looking guides

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    Beginner Symbol Guide

    Martyrdom Clues

    Animals & Their Meaning

    Compare figures
    Saint Peter vs Saint PaulSaint George vs Archangel MichaelSaint Anthony vs Saint Joseph
    How to read an image
    1. Look at what the figure holds and how it is used.
    2. Study the clothes. A habit, armour or dalmatic can help establish a role.
    3. Compare the object and the clothing with the action in the scene.