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Anchor in Christian Art
(162 words)

[German Version]

The anchor (Gk ἄγκυρα/ankyra, “crooked hook”), the classical symbol for safety in navigation, was transformed into a Christian symbol for the soul, and for hope, adherence, and steadfastness. In his Christ the Educator (Paedagogus), Clement of Alexandria identifies the anchor as appropriate for Christian seal rings, pendants, or intaglio. On early Christian sarcophagi and grave decorations as well as jewelry, the anchor combined with a cross or the Greek letter P (rho) connoted hope, while the anchor with a dolphin signified Christ on the cross. In …

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Apostolos-Cappadona, Diane, “Anchor in Christian Art”, in: Religion Past and Present. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1877-5888_rpp_SIM_00736>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004146662, 2006-2013



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