noun

iconography

eye-kə-NOG-rə-fee

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Iconography (noun) means the set of symbols, images or visual conventions that a particular subject, theme or artistic tradition uses. Example: “The exhibition traces the iconography of the crucifixion across five centuries.”

noun

The set of symbols, images or visual conventions that a particular subject, theme or artistic tradition uses.

"The exhibition traces the iconography of the crucifixion across five centuries."

"Skulls and hourglasses are common in the iconography of mortality."

"Art historians study the iconography of a period to work out what its symbols meant."

The practice or study of representing subjects through pictures and images.

"Her thesis focuses on the iconography of early Christian portraiture."

"The book is a survey of Byzantine iconography."

"Museums increasingly hire specialists in iconography to catalogue the symbolism found across their collections."

How to use iconography

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe set of symbols and images tied to a subject, or the study of how pictures represent things.

When to use it

It is a formal term used mainly in art history and criticism, not everyday speech.

Memory tip

Think of it as the visual vocabulary of a subject: the recurring symbols that let you read what a picture is about.

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Easily confused with

iconology

Common pairings

religious iconography the iconography of study of iconography Christian iconography visual iconography

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “iconography” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The exhibition traces the _____ of the crucifixion across five centuries.

Etymology

Iconography was built in English from the combining form icono-, referring to images, joined to the combining form -graphy, referring to writing or description. Together the two elements produced a word meaning the description or study of pictorial representation.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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symbolism imagery

Related words

imagination graphics imaging imagery symbolism figurative language symbolization

Rhymes for iconography

geography biography demography tomography topography lithography photography pornography calligraphy bibliography oceanography choreography

See all rhymes for iconography →

Frequently asked questions

What does iconography mean?

It refers to the traditional symbols and images linked to a subject, or to the study of such pictorial representation.

Is iconography only about religious art?

No. The term applies to any set of symbolic forms tied to a subject or theme, though it is often used of religious and historical art.

Does iconography always mean the same set of symbols, or can it mean the study of them?

Both: the word can name the recurring symbols themselves, or the description and study of pictorial representation more generally.

What is the meaning of iconography?

"iconography" (noun) means the set of symbols, images or visual conventions that a particular subject, theme or artistic tradition uses.

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imagination graphics imaging imagery symbolism figurative language symbolization