Symbolism of the renaissance sculpture: Aedicule of Sholts-Volfovych townhouse in Lviv

The specific conditions of architectural development in Lviv promoted the expansion of the Renaissance traditions in the architecture in the XVI century. The local traditions considerably influenced the classical forms as well as techniques suggested by the Italian architects. As a result, the architecture of Lviv had taken the peculiar features that reflected the character of an indigenous revival. A significant feature of a Renaissance townhouse in Lviv lies in its abundant decoration. as it was created according to the symbolic ideas and was filled with the philosophic content. The façade of Sholts-Volfovych apartment house situated in 23, Rynok Square in Lviv deserves special attention. The abundant exterior design includes the composition «Epiphany», located in the aedicule of the second floor. Using the principle of hermeneutics the article presents the author’s interpretation of a symbolic meaning of this sculptural composition, based on the Gospel texts and is connected with the Renaissance meditations about a human place in the world and his/her relationship with God.