(ANSA) - Rome, May 29 - If you have ever wondered why some paintings of the Virgin Mary contain an ostrich egg hanging above her head, or why Saint Bartholomews is often depicted holding his flayed skin, then 'Simboli nell'arte' (Symbols in art) is the book for you.

The work by Lorenzo Soave, pulished by Palombi and due to be presented in Rome on May 29 at the Società Umanitaria in Via Aldrovandi 16 at 18.30, sets out to explain in simple terms the meaning behind the symbols used by artists over the centuries to convey abstract ideas, send 'messages' or tell a story to their viewers. The author, an art manager without an academic background in art history, explores the 'hidden' significance of the plants, animals, imaginary creatures, mythological figures, divinities and everyday objects that can be spotted in more or less famous works of art in museums and churches around the world. For example, he explains how a small owl was often used by artists to symbolise incumbent death, an hourglass to signify the end of time, a rabbit to indicate fertility and a carnation to represent fedelity. And the ostrich egg hanging above the head of the Virgin Mary? The symbol of life and creation, of course.

Maria Grazia Bernardini, art historian and former director of the national museum of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, will speak atthe presentation together with the author.