Iconography: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ผ๏ธ
iconography
[หaษชkษหnษษกrษfi ]
Definition
study of symbols
Iconography is the study of symbols and icons in art, culture, and religion. It involves the interpretation of visual images and their meanings, often within a specific historical or cultural context. Iconography can reveal insights into the beliefs, values, and practices of a society.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| iconography |
This term is best used when referring to the study and interpretation of visual images and symbols used in art and culture. It often applies to a specific set of icons within a cultural or religious context.
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Examples of usage
- Her research focuses on the iconography of medieval religious art.
- The iconography of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics is a complex and fascinating subject.
Interesting Facts
Art History
- In early Christian art, certain symbols like the fish or the lamb conveyed deep religious meanings without needing words.
- Renaissance artists often used iconography to communicate complex ideas, such as good and evil, using everyday objects as symbols.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures have unique sets of symbols; for example, in ancient Egypt, the ankh represented life and immortality.
- Modern advertising relies heavily on iconography, utilizing symbols that resonate quickly with audiences, like the heart for love.
Religious Context
- In Buddhism, the lotus flower symbolizes purity and enlightenment, often depicted in temple art and scriptures.
- Icons in Eastern Orthodox Church art serve as religious teaching tools, with each color and figure carrying specific theological meanings.
Psychology
- Studies show that colors and shapes can invoke specific emotional responses; for instance, the color blue often represents calmness.
- People interpret symbols based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds, making iconography a subjective field.
Popular Culture
- In contemporary films and media, visual tropes, like the red rose for romance, serve as shorthand for complex ideas.
- Video games often use iconography to convey player choices quickly through characters and symbols, influencing gameplay experience.
Translations
Translations of the word "iconography" in other languages:
๐ต๐น iconografia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคเฅเคจเฅเคเฅเคฐเคพเคซเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Ikonographie
๐ฎ๐ฉ ikonografi
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบะพะฝะพะณัะฐััั
๐ต๐ฑ ikonografia
๐ฏ๐ต ใขใคใณใใฐใฉใใฃใผ
๐ซ๐ท iconographie
๐ช๐ธ iconografรญa
๐น๐ท ikonografi
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ด์ฝ๋ ธ๊ทธ๋ํผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฃูููููุบุฑุงููุง
๐จ๐ฟ ikonografie
๐ธ๐ฐ ikonografia
๐จ๐ณ ๅพๅๅญฆ
๐ธ๐ฎ ikonografija
๐ฎ๐ธ myndfrรฆรฐi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะธะบะพะฝะพะณัะฐัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ แแคแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ikonografiya
๐ฒ๐ฝ iconografรญa
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #18,935, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 18933 pensive
- 18934 wealthiest
- 18935 iconography
- 18936 fiend
- 18937 captions
- 18938 genitals
- ...