Navessa’s WU Class: Symbology in Art
Date: 2025-10-08 19:04
(Navessa’s WU Class: Symbology in Art)
[Wed Oct 8 2025]
Inside a Haunted Art Studio
The art studio occupies a high-ceilinged space with large north-facing
windows that flood the room with steady, diffused light. Paint-splattered
wooden floors bear decades of creative work, while industrial sinks line one
wall beneath shelves crowded with jars of brushes, palette knives, and
containers of turpentine that fill the air with their sharp scent. Easels
stand at various angles throughout the room, some holding half-finished
canvases that seem to shift subtly in peripheral vision. The walls display
student work in various stages of completion, though certain paintings appear
to have been turned to face the wall, their canvas backs marked with small
symbols in pencil. Storage cabinets along the eastern wall contain supplies
and drying racks, their metal doors occasionally swinging open on their own,
revealing glimpses of stored artwork. Track lighting supplements the natural
light, though several bulbs remain perpetually burned out despite frequent
replacement. A large work table occupies the center of the room, its surface
stained with years of spilled pigments that form patterns resembling old maps
or anatomical diagrams. The radiators beneath the windows tick irregularly,
and the smell of linseed oil mingles with something older and more organic,
like the scent of very old varnish or decomposing canvas.
It is about 55F(12C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At Plymouth and Darkwater
There are handouts waiting at the various work tables. Each one includes a series of links as well as a photo of the painting ‘The Ambassadors’ by Hans Holbein the Younger: https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/HolbeinAmbassadors.jpg. The links provided (for any enterprising students):
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hans-holbein-the-younger-the-ambassadors
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/life-death-and-our-place-in-the-universe-the-ambassadors-the-national-gallery-london/hwVxE5U3Vl1xIg?hl=en
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/hans-holbein-ambassadors-2074420
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-decoding-symbolism-hans-holbeins-ambassadors
Navessa herself waits near one of the work tables, hands in pockets, giving a nod to those she recognizes and a long (likely trying to memorize faces) look to those she doesn’t. There’s a brief wait to see who else might show before she gestures to the handouts. “Some of you know me, some don’t, that’s fine. I’m Navessa Steel, an artist here in the city. I figured I’d join staff here, part-time, to start doing some art-related courses. There will be some specifically related to making art in the future, but this one is more about understanding it and… not in the way art history classes have it. More in how magic finds its way into art, both good and bad.”
“Now, I don’t know if word got out at all in regards to bringing in any artworks you, yourself, think have symbology to them, but if so… Why don’t we start there before getting to the piece I selected. That way you can all have a chance to read up on it a bit if you want.” And then Navessa does the thing everyone hates: gives the floor up to any volunteers.
Nemi nods softly, looking into her bag she lifts it up to seem to check for something, likely a binder or notebook of which she seems to lack any free ones before she relents and looks to the handouts with a firm nod as she seems intent on listening.
“I didn’t bring anything,” Kai looks to Nemi and Kaelyn, then back to Navessa, then back to Kaelyn, “Did you bring anything?” he asks, rubbing at one eye as he slouches down in his seat.
Nemi says “I don’t have art at home and I’m took broke for anything possibly magical….“
Kaelyn rubs the back of her neck with a small shake of her head, “I saw it in the notes, ma’am, but have no clue what I’d be looking for in the first place.” The hand falls to her lap with an apologetic smile.
“Doesn’t have to be personal art. Could just be a screenshot of an artwork you like. Also does not necessarily have to be magical.” Navessa does not seem terribly surprised, mind. She does give a nod to Kaelyn, smiling briefly. “That’s fair. And part of why we’re here. In the mundane world, they will talk about symbolism at length. And this particular piece — The Ambassadors — has long been a favorite topic on that front. It’s still debated, in fact. Only the artist and the man who commissioned the piece ever knew what it all meant. And there are those of us who believe one or both of them were supernaturally inclined and that there are aspects of it that did have, if not outright magical utility, then conveyed information along those lines.”
“Symbology and symbolism are very closely linked and some will use them interchangeably, but they do have subtle differences. And those differences, to us, especially any of us who have an interest in ritualism, are important. Symbolism is, for example-” she does pull out a larger print of the piece, “the artist’s use of the objects on the table to indicate the schism between France and England at the time, among many other things. In high school, your English teachers may have tried to ascribe a lot of symbolism to authors. The blue curtains indicate the man’s sadness and whatnot. Trust me that this is more common in visual arts than the written word.” Navessa gives a brief smile there. “Symbology is understanding specific symbols, their origins, and how they are used. Runes are a very classic example. Religious iconography such as the cross, recognized around the world. And that is where-” she sets the print down, “symbology in art comes into play. There have been cases over the centuries of humans unaware of their innate gifts unknowingly putting symbols that contain power into their art. Many quote-unquote missing artworks are ones that have been placed into protective care by organizations like The Invisible College because of such incidents.”
Nemi nods softly, she hums as she takes her phone out, opens up a word doc and starts to take notes, stopping and turning off the screen after a moment with a firm nod and a soft smile. She hums softly as she thinks for a moment- attempting to recall any paintings that may have mysteriously vanished, yet she can’t recall any. She hums. “Would this extend to perfect photo’s of those art pieces or well- Photo copies or the like?”
Nemi says “The magical and accidental abilities of those works of art I mean.“
Kai reaches up to rub the back of his neck and blinks twice hard, then opens his eyes and sits up a little straighter, his hands stuck into his hoodie pocket as he listens, glances to Nemi, tilts his head and looks back to Navessa
“I would like to confidently say no, it would not. I will say I am fairly certain that no, it will not.” Navessa says to Nemi. “I have never seen nor heard of it happening, but that does not mean it cannot happen. I believe a few factors come into play.” She holds up a hand and begins ticking things off on her fingers: “The intent no longer exists in the copies. The correspondences used also no longer exist. Magic and technology, as we all know, do not always mix.” She drops her hand, shrugging. “It takes a lot for magic to work. Even when we put in effort, it does not always happen. But just as someone with an innate gift can sometimes create something accidentally…” She shoves her hands in her pockets, giving another shrug. “It is entirely possible and so, if you ever do come across artwork that is imbued with magic, I would be mindful of copies. Just in case.”
Kaelyn pulls out her phone again, typing away at it between glancing at the handout with a look of concentration. Once finished she lowers it to her lap with little frown, “So, would that sort of be like the stories of paintings that seem to be watching you? Or ones that bring an intense emotion? Though, art is supposed to do that anyway, right?”
Nemi nods softly, humming as she considers the fact and makes a mental note to herself for later with a soft nod as her attention turns back to Navessa.
Kai glances over to Kaelyn from time to time, staring at her profile while he struggles to pay attention.
“One hopes their art will do that, yes,” Navessa says to Kaelyn with a quick smirk. She moves to one of the nearer worktables and hauls herself up to sit on the edge. “Now, as for the paintings that seem to be watching you… Most of those came specifically from the Victorian era. It was in the way they did the portraits at the time. A very straight-on…” She positions herself just-so, palms flat and guided out from either side of her head, “with very dark, large pupils. It was an unintentional visual trick. Have there been ones that are haunted? Yes, but that’s getting into spoilers for my next class.” She winks at Kaelyn.
“By the way, I don’t think I’ve gotten your name before?”
“Now, as for *emotions*, well. I doubt you and everyone you know enjoy all of the same music, movies, books, games, right? Sure, you probably have some overlap. A friend who likes the same movies. People who like the same music. But everyone has tastes that differ, yes? Now imagine you came across a painting where everyone — *everyone* — who saw it felt the exact same emotions. That’d be a little strange, wouldn’t it? Even using tricks like they do in movies where, say, blue tones are used to indicate isolation, sadness, or even calm depending on the shade… individuals will feel a bit differently. Different extremes, different qualities. Colors, subjects, symbols can all be used to influence the viewer in a certain way, it’s true. But there is no art out there that can make everyone feel exactly the same without a little added help.”
Kaelyn glances back up from showing Kai something on her phone that looked suspiciously like painted wood grains. Pursing her lips in thought she nods, “So, an optical illusion.” With a hum she tilited her head, “That makes sense, I think, and a little unsettling. But, Kaelyn, ma’am, is my name.” Sliding her phone back she hums softly, “What you are saying is that you can only get so far with, uh,” She pauses over how to say it before just bullrushing head, “Mundane, but with magic intentional or not it can have more direct effect? Not all of those would be necessarily dangerous, then? Or-” She tilts her head to the side, “I suppose if you were to feel a great joy looking at an image it wouldn’t be a bad thing, unless like a drug you got addicted to it and reliant on it? Which would be a time where they might disappear?”
Kai nods a couple of times as he listens, glancing between Kaelyn and Navessa.
Nemi nods softly when Kaelyn posses the questions, she smiles softly as she turns to Navessa to await to hear her answer.
There is a bit of a grimace. “Navessa is fine. I know some of the instructors prefer to be more formal, but I’m not much older than most of you.” A slight thickening of her Irish accent at that, but Navessa does nod as Kaelyn continues on. “Precisely that, yes. Have you heard stories of people dancing or laughing themselves to death? Usually it’s attributed to… stress, if you can believe that.” She clearly does not. “The real reason is generally magic. And while often it is a hex or ward… sometimes it is embedded in art as well. Music and paintings are very common sources.” Navessa curls her hands over the edge of the worktable by her hips, leaning forward. “There is nothing wrong with finding a painting that brings you joy or peace or just makes you feel good to look at. I absolutely love Van Gogh’s Starry Night. I find it very calming. But yes, there have been those that people find themselves unable to look away from, to the point of starvation. Or those that drive people to a wild, murderous rage. Those are the dangerous ones.”
Nemi nods softly as she starts taking notes on her phone again, and with the word app clearly open she isnt texting.
Kaelyn bobs her head, “Yes, ma- Nevessa.” Scratching her cheek she looks aside a bit sheepishly. Though her attention is drawn back quickly. “Those are very rare cases, though?” Her hand waves a little in thought, “At least when it comes to the art having that extreme effect. Do you believe there are cases where the artist does it more intentionally? Hide words or symbols in their art for some reason and if they do so could it be for- Well, I guess the purpose would depend on the person making it.”
“Yeah are there cases where there’s like secret riddles and shit in an art piece, like that one movie with the guy with the bad haircut who was also Forest Gump?” Kai asks Navessa, perking up.
Nemi hums and chuckles softly when Kai mentions Forest gump, she smiles a she remembers the movie for a moment but then decides to take the consideration a bit more seriously as it could be possible.
“The DaVinci Code?” Navessa asks Kai, giving a brief grin his way. “I mean, that’s basically what we have with The Ambassadors.” She nods toward the larger scale print of the painting she started the class with. “Reading up on this piece is basically a never-ending rabbit hole. Even the symbolism that has been figured out is just guesswork. The only obvious part is the skull-” she taps the distorted skull on the front. “Best experienced in person, of course, but if you stand at just the right angle, the skull looks… perfect, not distorted. Why the artist did that?” Shrug! “No one knows. But yes, I would not be surprised if someday there is a movie or book like The DaVinci Code about this painting.” She gives a brief grin. “Many artists do hide things in their paintings. Even non-magical things. Sometimes it is… a calling card, of sorts. But there have been arcanists who have hidden their secrets in their work like a… grimoire. Usually the more insane ones, you might say. The ones convinced of their genius and convinced only the brightest mind will ever be worthy of finding it. Though they’re usually the ones whose journals are written in five languages, three of which are dead, a runic language they made up, and all written backwards.”
Kai nods a couple of times and pulls his hand out of his pocket to slide his arm around Kaelyn’s shoulders, tilting ihs head as he listens.
Kaelyn leans against Kai as her shoulders are contained. Her head tilts as she looks at the print and then at her phone trying to angle it just so. “Huh,” She says softly. “I’m a little bit curious on the how…” Shaking her head she puts the phone back on her lap, “But, there is a lot of detail to the whole painting. Down to the wood grains and I think one of the strings is broken…”
“The design in the flooring. There is a crucifix behind the curtain in the top left. The amount packed into one piece is astounding, really. People have dedicated entire thesis to this one painting,” Navessa says with a bit of a grin for Kaelyn. She does push herself off of the desk, brushing her hands off on her jeans. “It’s part of why I chose it for today. I do not believe there is anything particularly magical about it, but that’s not to say there wasn’t any magical knowledge being conveyed. The celestial imagery on the top shelf between the two men hints at that to be certain.” She glances toward Kai. “Now, unless there’s anymore pressing questions, I’ll let you all go before Kai falls asleep on us. My next class will be on haunted paintings and yes, it will be scheduled close to Halloween.” Because it amuses her, clearly, for how she grins. “I do have a haunted artwork in mind to discuss. Please feel free to bring copies, prints, reports of any others. Even ones from movies, books, and the like if you wish.” There is a brief pause. “Except the one from Ghostbusters.”
Kai hmms and nods a couple of times at Kaelyn, then at Navessa, “Sorry Miss Navessa, been kind of a long week,” he tells her after she mentions his sleepiness, a sheepish grin on his face.
Nemi chuckles and nods softly, nodding as she claps for a moment, stops and then smiles and chuckles softly. “Oh, I do have one In mind I might be able to look into I was just, unable to do much with it on such short notice in terms of getting a copy or such….” She chuckles a small bit but nods again, she looks over to Kai and chuckles again. “Thank you Ma’am for the lesson. I do wish more people had arrived though…”
Kaelyn scrolls a little bit on her phone, the colors shifting as she searches for the things mentioned there. She gives another curious hum to it, head tilting as her eyes follow something. The phone shuts off. A small bob was given to Navessa, “It’s interesting the amount of work was put into it and then just left for people to guess. Most of what people think could be entirely wrong, too.” Looking over to Kai, she grins wiggling her shoulders before returning her attention to Navessa, “Thank you for the class, Ma- Nevessa.”
“Well, I know it’s not as exciting as some of the other classes on the schedule like-” Navessa pulls her phone out of her pocket and glances to it, “such as… hypnosis and persuasion.” A brief eyebrow arch as she considers that title before shrugging and putting her phone away. “But I also figure it’s important to understand the risks. And perhaps understand the applications in rituals and the like. Symbols have power. Look at how Hollywood took the pentacle, flipped it upside down, and to this day it’s associated with Satanism. And even embraced by many practicing Satanists to where it has power despite being… entirely made up at the outset.” Navessa starts gathering up the extra printouts, likely to leave them behind either for anyone to reference that passes by or to use as scrap paper (that’s always in need in art rooms). “Well, if you can get a copy or some details by the end of the month, I’d be curious to see it,” she tells Nemi.
There’s another nod for Kaelyn. “It’s part of the fascination with it. Most portraits at the time were fairly straight-forward or had reference to the person’s family and accomplishments. I imagine somewhere, someone knows its secrets and they aren’t telling for some reason or another.”
Kai stands up and stretches, he rolls his shoulders and looks from Navessa to Kaelyn and back, “Been doing good since we talked last, Miss Navessa?” he wonders.
Kaelyn nods slowly, chewing on the info for a while. “Maybe some of that is just enjoying what people come up with? I mean if someone did know for certain or maybe there is a lot of over thinking.” With a little shake of her head she too stands, playing with her phone but not turning it back on.
“Fairly good, yes,” Navessa says to Kai with a nod. “Working on opening an official gallery. Not far from here, actually. Hoping to have it ready in the next couple weeks.” There is a shrug for Kaelyn. “That too. And yes, overthinking is absolutely a thing. Sometimes I just paint and let the muse guide me. There’s no overt symbolism in the resulting piece, but people might assume there is.”
Nemi looks over and nods softly, having stood up and gotten ready to head out she stops to listen with a bit of clear interest.
Kaelyn says “Then… I suppose in that case? Maybe it’s more important what they think and feel about it? A reflection of themselves instead of the the artist.“
Kaelyn slips her hand in one of Kai’s, giving it a light squeeze.
Kai takes Kaelyn’s hand in his and squeezes, he smiles over at her fondly.
“There is a quote from Oscar Wilde you might like,” Navessa says to Kaelyn. She takes a moment to remember it, angling toward the door with the students as she considers. “‘It’s the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors.'”
Kaelyn has a warm smile on her face as she leans in a bit subconsciously against Kai, “Hm, I can see it. Thank you again for the lesson.” She tilts her head towards Kai asking quieter, “Ready?”
Kai nods at Kaelyn and gives a wave to Nemi and Navessa as he heads out of the classroom.