Titulus (inscription)

As a titulus (Pl. Tituli; ​​Latin for " inscription, picture board, sign" ) is referred to early sculptures in art history is an inscription or inscription, with the aid of which each sitter was explained or commented on.

Tituli were highly developed AD in the first millennium and were used in the Middle Ages and early modern times further. It is characteristic of their former meaning that almost every medieval treatise on painting also includes instructions on how such inscriptions were to be constructed. Tituli were often - but not necessary - written in verse and quoted ancient writers. Therefore, it is considered likely that the performing artists were often advised by humanist scholars who were familiar with the classical texts. In appropriate contexts was used quotes from the Bible or the writings of the Church Fathers. Where biblical parables were presented in encrypted images, Tituli provided the interpretation thereof, was an allegorical double form. Because of incidental or coexistence of image and text were Tituli to the sources of early modern art form of emblems, which also consisted of text -picture combinations.