iconography
UK: /ˌaɪkəˈnɒɡrəfi/ | US: /ˌaɪkəˈnɑːɡrəfi/
n. The study or interpretation of visual symbols and imagery, especially in art or religion.
n. A collection or system of visual representations (e.g., religious icons).
n. The conventional imagery or symbolism associated with a subject (e.g., cultural iconography).
Derived from Greek eikōn (image) + -graphia (writing/representation), the term originally referred to the description or study of religious images. Over time, it expanded to encompass broader systems of visual symbolism in art, culture, and media. The morphemes reflect a logical progression: "icono-" preserves the core idea of imagery, while "-graphy" denotes systematic representation.
Medieval iconography often depicted saints with golden halos.
The film’s iconography draws heavily from 1950s Americana.
Scholars analyze political iconography to understand propaganda techniques.
Byzantine iconography is renowned for its intricate mosaics.
The artist’s work subverts traditional gender iconography.