Invisual arts, anattribute (also known asattributive symbol[1]) is a symbolic or decorative object conventionally associated with a specific individual, deity, or activity.[2] Serving as a form of "visual shorthand," attributes allow the viewer to identify figures—such as saints, prophets, or mythological gods—who might otherwise be difficult to distinguish.[3] In architecture, attributes may be used on the exterior of a building to express its specific function or use.[4]
Attributive symbols are widely employed in religious art across various cultures to identify divine figures.[5] InEgyptian art,Osiris is distinguished by thecrook and flail andIsis by thegirdle tie.[5] In the ancient Near East, thewinged disk is an attribute of the Assyrian godAshur, while theMušḫuššu creature accompanies the Babylonian deityMarduk.[5] Hindu iconography assigns specific animals to deities, often acting as attributes or vehicles (vahana): the swan forBrahma, the eagle forVishnu, and the bull or cobra forShiva.[5] In Japanese art,Ebisu is identified by a fishing rod and fish basket, while the road god Kashin is associated with thethree mystic monkeys.[5]Mesoamerican deities also bear distinct attributes; the Aztec goddessCoatlicue wears a skirt of snakes, andXochipilli is depicted with a bird crest and a butterfly painted on his mouth.[5]
InChristian art, attributes are essential for identifying patriarchs, prophets, and saints. While some attributes are generalized (like a palm frond for a martyr, a book or scroll for a prophet, or a pastoral staff for a bishop), most figures are assigned a specific object to aid identification.[3]
These symbols are derived from various sources, including theBible, theGolden Legend, hagiographies, and accounts of visions. They may represent:[3][4]
Some biblical figures possess multiple attributes; for example,King David may be shown with a harp or a crown, whileSaint Peter may hold keys, a book, or a scroll. Conversely, a single symbol may belong to multiple saints:St. Hubert,St. Eustace, andSt. Giles are all associated with a deer, whileSt. Dorothy andSt. Elizabeth are both depicted with roses.[3]
Attributes are also used to identify personifications of abstract concepts, such asEcclesia and Synagoga.[3]
Attributive symbols inGreek art developed as a necessity due to the limited number of anthropomorphic types available to early artists: the nude male and the draped female.[6] Because these artists did not practice realism or portraiture, they relied on distinguishing accessories, like theAegis forAthena or theCaduceus forHermes, to identify specific characters who otherwise shared a generic form.[6]
Inclassical art andRoman mythology, deities are identified by objects that express their character or authority.[4]
The peacock is the traditional attribute ofJuno. This association is derived from a story inOvid'sMetamorphoses: afterMercury murderedArgus (the hundred-eyed giant Juno had set to watch overIo), Juno commemorated Argus by setting his eyes into the tail of her peacock.[2]
The attributes ofpatron saints often became symbols of national or civic identity. For example, thecross ofSaint George is part of the British flag, while theLion of Saint Mark (the attribute ofSt. Mark) serves as the coat of arms forVenice.[3]
Attributes were central to the symbolism oftrade guilds, which often adopted a patron saint associated with their profession:[3]
In architecture, attributes are decorative elements used to denote the purpose of a building. For example, lyres may appear on the exterior ofconcert halls, while tridents are often found on buildings associated with marine or naval affairs.[4]
