MAPACA

Mid-Atlantic Popular &
American Culture Association

This illustrated work in progress is an examination of some popular early English emblem books whose words and pictures gained wide circulation in the 17th and 18th centuries. To what extent did the cultural attitudes and ancient legends revealed in the mottoes, pictures, and epigrams of these emblem books find continuing expression in mortuary art? There are a few well known examples of emblem book illustrations reproduced on Colonial gravestones; how prevalent was the use of emblem book symbols? This paper is a look at some influential English emblem books, at their sometimes puzzling illustrations, and at the mores and moral lessons set forth in each accompanying epigram.