Allegorical Trophées

Trophies are a symbol of victory.  The English word trophy comes from the French trophée meaning, “a prize of war”.  Ancient military victories were memorialized by displaying seized weapons, coats of arms, flags, standards, and armor.  During the Renaissance, trophies were depicted in art and architecture as popular decoration.  Artists began to create trophy decorations using other items allegorically such as musical instruments, tools of agriculture, and hunting paraphernalia.  Allegorical themes arose such as “The Triumph of Music” and “The Allegory of the Hunt.”

This exhibit explores the various ways that musical triangles are depicted in allegorical trophées.

I hope you enjoy the exhibit!

~Mark Berry, curator