Tracing their Tracks

Understanding the relation of semiology to Western iconography is essential, as it is the element that, often unconsciously, influences perception in Western society.

Scholars, such as Klaus Düwel with his outstanding knowledge of runic script, sometimes reach their limits if inscriptions are complemented with abstract images that may be accidental scratches or, on the other hand, a sign or signs indicating symbolic meaning. The detailed definition of the Medieval World by Margaret Clunies Ross (University of Sydney) created the background for this book in which artefacts from Old Norse culture are considered in order to understand their often complex context, providing an insight into the development of visual communication in Western society.

Artefacts from Medieval Scandinavia show techniques and principles from visual perception consciously or unconsciously adopted by artists and craftsmen more than a thousand years earlier than was initially recognised by scientists. Today, such elements are recognised by some artists and designers. However, in the relevant literature, discussion of this important aspect of visual art with respect to Medieval Scandinavia has been lacking—until now!