Masks, which frequently appear in Renaissance ornament, are traceable to the Greek employment to symbolise Comedy and Tragedy.
The Medusa head, which occurs on shields and on the Ægis of Athenē, was the emblem of Terror. The tradition being that Medusa, one of the three Gorgons, famous for her hair, set her beauty against that of Athenē. As a punishment, her hair was converted into serpents, the aspect of which was so terrible that any who looked thereon were changed to stone. A fate to which the Gorgon herself succumbed on seeing her reflection in the burnished shield of Perseus.
The Cornucopia, or horn of plenty, another instance of Pagan survival, was given by the infant Zeus to Almathæ in gratitude, with the promise that the possessor should always have abundance in everything desired. The horn being that of a goat from whom the god was fed, invariably accompanies the representations of Ceres.
Symbols of Time
Time is symbolised by the hour-glass and by the scythe. The latter implement, though generally accepted is more strictly the emblem of Death, which cuts down prematurely. Whereas Time only garners when ripe the sickle would be more appropriate.
Secular Symbols
Besides those enumerated, emblems are used for the arts, sciences, and crafts, and as devices for Guilds and Corporations.
The arts of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture are symbolised by the various implements employed, as are the crafts. Music by the Lyre and other instruments, Literature by the Lamp, Books, and the Owl as the Bird of Wisdom.
Science and mechanics are similarly indicated. Means of transit, by a winged wheel, suggestive of Speed and Progress; trade and commerce by bales of goods and by the Caduceus, and Agriculture by implements, sheaves of corn and fruit.