iconography

American  

[ahy-kuh-nog-ruh-fee] / ˌaɪ kəˈnɒg rə fi /

noun

• iconographies
  plural

1. symbolic representation, especially the conventional meanings attached to an image or images.

2. subject matter in the visual arts, especially with reference to the conventions regarding the treatment of a subject in artistic representation.

3. the study or analysis of subject matter and its meaning in the visual arts; iconology.

4. a representation or a group of representations of a person, place, or thing, as a portrait or a collection of portraits.

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iconography British  

/ ˌaɪkɒˈnɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. 1. the symbols used in a work of art or art movement

   2. the conventional significance attached to such symbols

2. a collection of pictures of a particular subject, such as Christ

3. the representation of the subjects of icons or portraits, esp on coins

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• iconograph
  noun
• iconographer
  noun
• iconographic
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• iconographies
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of iconography

1620–30; < Medieval Latin īconographia < Greek eikonographía. See icono-, -graphy

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Explanation

The visual symbols used to represent something are known as iconography. When an artist paints a large white lily to represent death and a small dog to symbolize loyalty, she's using iconography. Whenever someone uses a familiar symbol or image to represent a particular person, group, characteristic, or theme, they're using iconography. In art, iconography sends specific messages, like when a lamb in a religious painting represents Jesus. In politics, iconography can convey things like strength and patriotism through flags, stars, and other symbols. The root of this word is the Greek eikon, which means "image or picture," but also "an image in the mind."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

iconography iconographies

The 1930s-style design was given the bird on social media minutes after being unveiled against the San Francisco 49ers, with many lampooning its likeness to Nazi iconography.

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026

Researchers also found a pair of broken glasses; an IV needle with a bottle topper; a brass item with writing, perhaps a cigarette case; and a button with Japanese-looking iconography.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026

As a professor of international relations who has studied the global evolution of currency iconography for over 20 years, I take a worldwide perspective on this debate.

From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026

When we tell ourselves stories about warrior elites—and invoke their iconography to inspire and galvanize—we often dismiss and ignore their victims as inconvenient or annoying footnotes.

From Slate ● Jul. 10, 2026

If Christ is a lion, as he is in traditional iconography, why wouldn’t the Virgin Mary be a lioness?

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Growing up in a religious home, Hernández was familiar with Christian iconographies and sacred items.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2023

The floor, boasting 17 iconographies of beasts and birds, is well-preserved and its colors are bright.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 15, 2022

“These are iconographies that this specific social and political class liked,” he said.

From New York Times ● Nov. 25, 2018

Popcorn-munchers, of which I am front row center, are here to watch whackjob Cage and soulful Travolta, two actors who love to go full-ham, play each other and go deep inside their iconographies.

From The Guardian ● May 29, 2018

Greek mythology seems like a perfect springboard for a Disney movie, given the amount of them that trade on the basic iconographies of the mythic.

From Time ● Nov. 17, 2014

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