Fig leaf

The fig leaf of the fig tree was used in the visual arts to conceal the genitals of naked statues, especially in restored antique statues. It is used in the conceptual world of the Old Testament overcoming the feeling of shame by covering their own nakedness.

Metaphor

As a metaphor the fig leaf designates an object that is placed in front of another object in order to conceal this with the intention not to make aware of it morally vulnerable property. " Reassign someone or something a fig leaf " has colloquially the importance of incomplete or makeshift concealment of obscene or indecent facts. Preferably, the term is pejorative in the sense of a distraction maneuver, which is to conceal the true facts hypocritical and this has a close relation to the word " put on a cloak ." The phrase " No ( fig ) leaf in front of your mouth. " Or " fig leaves look ( weave )" ( for excuses, excuses search ) point in the same direction.

Biblical Icon

The fig leaf is mentioned in the biblical story of the Fall. After Adam and Eve ate the fruit from the tree of knowledge, they realized that they were naked and covered their nakedness with fig leaves ( 1 Genesis 3, 7). Derived from this text, the " fig leaf " as a figurative expression for the shameful concealment is needed.

Following the example of the biblical text the genitals of a naked person was painted over with a sheet or other covering subject matter in the visual arts of the Christian West until well into modern times. An example of this is the systematic over-painting of the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel by the so-called " trouser painter" Daniele da Volterra, a pupil of Michelangelo, by the last restoration as far as possible according to the original intentions of the work of the Creator Michelangelo and with the approval of the Catholic church was withdrawn. For a copy of the Statue of David by Michelangelo in the Royal Albert Museum a fig leaf of plaster has been specially created to protect the modesty of female visitors.

General symbolism

Today's symbolic representation of a heart goes back, among other things on stylized fig leaves together with the leaves of the ivy.

Adam and Eve (Hans Baldung )

Expulsion from Paradise ( Masaccio ) with and without a fig leaf

Last Judgment (Michelangelo)