iconography

American  

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

noun

plural

iconographies

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  

/ aɪˌkɒnəˈɡræfɪk, 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

• iconograph noun
• iconographer noun
• iconographic adjective

Etymology

Origin of iconography

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

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

This 12.5 foot-tall terracotta figure embodies various kinds of religious iconography all at once, from a Vishnu-like chest to a Christ-like beard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Aladdin Sane, with his face strafed by a scarlet firebolt edged in blue, blue, electric blue, is quintessential Bowie iconography.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

Directed by Jon M. Chu, the Universal sequel references iconography from the 1939 movie and infuses these classic images with unexpected backstories and deeper meanings.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

However, "given this magnificent iconography, it seems entirely appropriate to include it" in this movement.

From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025

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