01:830:101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: College Art Association, Meyer Schapiro, The Mousetrap

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: 01:830:101
• Professor: Mayhew

Document Summary

In meyer schapiro"s muscipula diaboli, the symbolism of the merode altarpiece the writer explains different types of symbolism inside the merode altarpiece. From the pot full of lilies to the book on the table next to the virgin mary, symbolism can be shown in many different shapes and forms. However, in the article schapiro focuses on one item in the painting. This item would be the mousetrap in the background of the panel portraying joseph. The article brings up points on what the mousetrap religiously symbolizes, how other authors have tried to express the same symbolization, and how the mousetrap can be symbolized in a poetic manner as well. According to schapiro, the symbolization of the mousetrap is by the mousetrap being a metaphor of deception. This metaphor brings along what schapiro calls the divine plan in religious works. The points schapiro provide support this theory of the symbolism of the mousetrap.