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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.

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    Symbol index

    Results · 73
    Objects · Symbols

    Staff

    Lily staff or prophet's rod

    Saint James the GreaterGuido Reni · c. 1636–1638

    How to recognise it

    Staff may be lily rod (Joseph), prophet’s rod (Baptist), or pilgrim staff (James).

    Read staff together with lily, lamb, or scallop shell.

    Associated figures

    Saint James the GreaterSaint JosephJohn the Baptist

    Looking guides

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    Beginner Symbol Guide

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    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.