The book "Symbolic Understanding" by Georg Franzen offers a thorough analysis of visual art through the lens of psychoanalytic self-psychology and psychological phenomenology. The author examines selected works by renowned artists such as Camille Claudel, Albrecht Dürer, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Kurt Schwitters to develop a depth-psychological approach to art. This exploration not only considers the individual perception of the artworks but also emphasizes the social function of art. Franzen discusses the relevance of these approaches in the context of receptive art therapeutic methods, making the book a valuable resource for professionals in the social sciences and art therapy. The connection between theory and practical applications provides readers with a comprehensive insight into the complex interactions between art, psychology, and society.