The Royal Academy of Arts (RA), a bastion of the British art scene since 1768, has served not only as a venue for the exhibition of important works of art, but also as a forum for the representation and interpretation of animal symbolism in art. This lesser explored subject offers a rich and multi-layered perspective on the relationships between man, nature and art.
From the early days of the RA to the present day, the depiction of animals in art has taken various forms, each with its own meaning and symbolism. In the early phase of the Academy, when Romanticism and Neoclassicism prevailed, animals were often used as allegorical figures depicting human virtues or vices. A classic example of this is the work of Sir Edwin Landseer, whose animal portraits express emotions and character traits that can often be interpreted as a reflection of human experience.
In the 19th century, a time of great scientific discovery and the emergence of Darwinism, the depiction of animals in art began to change. RA artists, influenced by the new ideas about evolution and natural history, began to depict animals in a more realistic light. These works were no longer mere allegories, but accurate, scientifically based depictions of the natural world.
The symbolism of animals was further diversified in the 20th century, with RA artists beginning to use animals as symbols for modern issues such as industrialisation, war and environmental destruction. This period saw a shift from traditional representations to more abstract and conceptual approaches, where animals were used as critical commentaries on contemporary social and political issues.
Today, animals remain an important theme in Royal Academy art, with artists continuing to reinterpret their role in the world. Modern artists use animal symbolism to explore complex themes such as identity, technology and our relationship with nature. The depiction of animals in RA art is therefore not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a reflection of society’s changing perspectives and concerns.
The importance of animal symbolism in the art of the Royal Academy of Arts offers deep insights into the human understanding of and relationship with animals. It is an area rich in history and meaning and offers a unique perspective on the evolution of art and human thought.