Satan Symbolism in Art History

Byzantine, Gothic and Northern Renaissance artists represented Christian culture and values. Depictions of hell, Satan and rampaging demons reached a fever pitch after the great plague of the mid 14th century. Satan and his evil minions were often included as a sort of cautionary tale for illiterate church goers. Hildegard of Bingens, a medieval mystic and writer stated "The devil keeps man from good with a thousand machinations spewed from his belly, so that when a person sighs to do good, he pierces him with his shafts; and when he desires to embrace God with his whole heart in love, he subjects him to poisonous tribulations, seeking to pervert good work before God. And when a person seeks the viridity of virtue, the devil tells him that he does not know what he is doing, and he teaches him that he can set his own law for himself." Spiritually significant paintings created during the Gothic and Renaissance eras are complex, fraught with religious fervor and symbolism.   William H. Hunt stated "When language was not transcendental enough to complete the meaning of a revelation, symbols were relied upon for heavenly teaching, and familiar images, chosen from the known, were made to mirror the unknown spiritual truth."

In a culture of limited literacy symbolic imagery was vital in enlightening the masses.  Byzantine, Gothic and Early Renaissance paintings are rich in philosophical and Christian symbolism regarding serpents.

The Dragon - the emblem of heathen evil and Satan, the spiritual enemy of mankind. Saint Michael and Saint George are often depicted battling and slaying the dragon symbolizing their triumph over evil.

A fluttering blue of white curtain- symbolizes a heavenly world in which the splendor of the holy and divine is only beginning to be shown.

An unsheathed knife near a money purse or pile of coins- denotes a rebellious and materialistic viewpoint.

A burned out candle - symbolizes a lack of devoutness and piety.

A white or blue pitcher and basin -  is a symbol of Purity, signifying clean thoughts and an uncorrupted essence.  The pitcher and basin are also symbolic of forgiveness of sins, cleansing, sanctification, unity with God, eternal life, glory, theosis.

A dirty window- suggests physical malady (usually a venereal disease or leprosy); a polluted body.

A spilled or overturned inkwell- symbolizes broken  promises, broken political treatise, missed chances.  If the spilled inkwell is on the desk of a Saint then this symbolizes martyrdom;  divine sufferers who spilled their blood in Gods name. 

Lute - a musical instrument symbolic of romantic love.

The Meaning of Sacred Symbols in  Paintings. Most prominently featured  symbols and their meaning: