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Symbolism in 18th Century Gardens. The Influence of Intellectual and Esoteric Currents, such as Freemasonry

Symbolism in 18th Century Gardens. The Influence of Intellectual and Esoteric Currents, such as Freemasonry
Author(s):J.A.M. Snoek, M. Scholl, A.A. Kroon et al
Editors(s):J.A.M. Snoek, M. Scholl, A.A. Kroon
Publisher: Stichting OVN

During the 18th century, garden design and landscape art incorporated classical, mythological and Christian religious symbolism. Gardens became an expression of the status, personality and learning of their owners. It was not uncommon for a garden design to include ‘hidden’ esoteric symbolism, for the path through a garden to reflect a journey of initiation, or for architectural ‘follies’ to be built in the shape of masonic temples. This symbolism was purposefully ‘hidden’, meant to be discovered by the initiated or to enlighten the visitor with new insights. Today, we are no longer familiar with common 18th century iconography and unable to read the visual clues to the meaning of such gardens. Art historical approaches and heritage preservation policies are traditionally based on Christian iconography, and have largely overlooked the importance of masonic and esoteric symbolism to art, architecture and garden design. Recent academic studies, however, have shown the importance of masonic buildings and sites to our cultural collective heritage and brought the hidden symbolism in historical gardens to the centre of attention. An academic conference, organized at Schwetzingen Castle in Germany in 2006, addressed this issue for the first time. The conference papers offer an introduction into masonic and esoteric symbolism in 18th century garden architecture and landscape design. Experts from different disciplines provide an overview of recent academic research into the subject, and raise awareness of the importance of preserving the remaining sites as a part of our cultural heritage. They provide a valuable insight into what is still an ‘undiscovered territory’ within art history. Publication Details: Symbolism in 18th Century Gardens. The Influence of Intellectual and Esoteric Currents, such as Freemasonry, (Stichting OVN) Den Haag 2006, ISBN 9080777838, ill., 374 pages, € 20,- (plus. p&p: € 6 within Europe, € 9 outside Europe), orders: info@stichtingovn.nl.
Publication posted by A.A. Kroon