Iconography

Iconography is the study of images, not form. Someone trying to study only the iconography of the Arch of Titus in Rome, for example, would look at objects present in the arch's panel reliefs, which include a menorah. Seeing as the arch commemorates the sack of Jerusalem and the end of the Jewish War, an art student might conclude that this menorah represents many other items taken from the holy city as loot. Iconography usually addresses symbols, themes, motifs and the like in addition to just the literal description of what is depicted. --Eric Johnson

Posted at Nov 29/2008 10:08AM:
Iconography represents entities by drawing from conventional, established connotations. In contrast with other forms of representation, iconography does not allow the author to create his or her own connections between icons and what he or she wishes to present. As a result, the associations used by iconography are not open to individual interpretation, though the motives behind an author’s inclusion of particular iconography most certainly are. Another distinction of this concept is the type of entities it is used to represent. Whereas symbolism can carry abstract meanings, iconography is associated with a figurative treatment of concrete subject matters. Thus, iconography employs associations of images to represent entities that are individuals, places or things. (Emily Li, November 29, 2008, 10:08 am)

Iconography involves the investigation of an object of art in terms of description and classification. This study involves identification of the object and interpreting its content, such as recognizing themes, symbols, and allegories. Iconography also examines the object on the macro level, finding associations with artistic trends and standards of the object’s greater time period. Iconography is commonly divided into religious and secular categories (Oxford Art Online). It focuses more on the subject matter than the form of the work of art. It was first established through the analysis of Christian themes and motifs. (Pattie Umali)

Posted at Dec 01/2008 01:24PM:
Siham: Iconography is the demonstration of a certain aspect, or multiple aspects, that relay a heavy importance on representation. Through images, writing, and most often both, iconography addresses the complexity of themes. To put it simply, it is not merely what is seen, but much more of what is observed. Like the Christian cross represents cruxification, but the Christian religion the menorah that is depicted on the Arch of Titus is a piece of loot from the siege of Jerusalem. However, it is not merely that- but the representation of the removal of the Jewish people from Jerusalem at the end of the First Jewish-Roman War.

Iconography is a term that collectively describes the symbols and images that make up the content of a work of art. They speak the cultural language specific to the historical context of the piece, and the symbolic and allegorical implications of the iconography come from its cultural usage. Interpreting the iconography reveals the underlying “meaning” of the work.

Willem Lash emphasizes the distinction between iconography and iconology with respect to gleaning significance from the content of a work of art, since the two terms are often used interchangeably to encompass both domains of study. He describes iconography as collecting data from a work of art and deducing its subject or theme (allegory, for instance). Iconology then uses that analysis to ascribe its meaning to broader cultural implications, explaining “the very basis for the existence of a work of art.”

Iconography and iconology can apply to any meaningful (intentional) aspect of visual culture, although the most common forms of artistic expression studied are figurative imagery or religious symbols.

--Lauren Schleimer

Willem F. Lash. "Iconography and Iconology." In Grove Art Online. Oxford Art Online, http://www.oxfordartonline.com/subscriber/article/grove/art/T039803 (accessed December 1, 2008).