Motif (visual arts)
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In art and iconography, a motif is an element of an image. Motifs can occur both in figurative and narrative art, and in ornament and geometric art. A motif may be repeated in a pattern or design, oft
Composite capital whose design includes acanthus leaf, and volute motifs
Saint Joseph sleeps through the Nativity, Cloisters Apocalypse, c. 1330
Gebel el-Arak Knife with Master of Animals motif at the top of the handle
12th century sheela na gig on the Church, at Kilpeck (England)
Master of Animals
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The Master of Animals, Lord of Animals, or Mistress of the Animals is a motif in ancient art showing a human between and grasping two confronted animals. The motif is very widespread in the art of Mes
Motif (visual arts)
…motif may be an element in the iconography of a particular subject or type of subject that is seen in other works, or may form the main subject, as the Master of Animals motif in ancient art typically does. The related motif of confronted animals is often seen alone, but may also be repeated, for example in Byzantine…
Egyptianizing gold pendant showing the Lord of the Animals, Minoan, 1700–1500 BC. Aegina Treasure. (British Museum)
Mistress of animals (Potnia Theron) Pithos with relief, 625-600 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Athens
"Master of the Animals" stamp seals, Tepe Giyan, Iran, 5000-4000 BC.
Gebel el-Arak Knife (c. 3450 BC). Naqada II, Egypt