Soswaewon and Villa d'Este Garden Iconography and Contemporary Aesthetic Interpretation

A comparative iconological analysis of Sosaewon (Korea) and Villa d'Este (Italy) reveals interconnected philosophical, mythological, and cultural meanings despite their geographical separation. Both gardens, constructed in the mid-16th century, reflect the socio-political influences of their eras through spatial design and symbolic elements. Sosaewon's layout adheres to Taoist principles, particularly Mu-yi-gu-gok, emphasizing natural integration and poetic beauty, while Villa d'Este incorporates mythological references like 'The Choice of Hercules' to symbolize the builder's status and philosophical intent. The study highlights how both gardens manipulate natural features—such as terraces, axes, and water—to serve aesthetic and symbolic purposes, offering insights into postmodern interpretations of garden iconography.

Seo, H.-J., Lee, J.-H., & Huh, M.-R. (2015). Soswaewon and Villa d’Este Garden Iconography and Contemporary Aesthetic Interpretation. Journal of Korea Society for Plants People and Environment, 18(5), 465–472. https://doi.org/10.11628/ksppe.2015.18.5.465