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

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

Plans to film part of a Nicolas Cage war film at Waltham Forest Town Hall fell through over fears about Nazi iconography.

From BBC

However, "given this magnificent iconography, it seems entirely appropriate to include it," she said.

From Barron's

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

From Barron's

She was among those who finalised Mamdani's brand identity, including the bold iconography and font used on his yellow, orange and blue campaign materials, it said.

From BBC