Skip to Main Content Library Homepage College Homepage
Research Guides

Finding and Using Images: Signs and Symbols

Iconography (Meaning)

Iconography is the branch of art history which studies the identification and the interpretation of the content of images. It can also mean a particular depiction of a subject in terms of the content of the image, such as a saint, the number of figures, their placing and gestures.

Who is the artist and when did he live? What is the subject of this painting? Who are the figures? What is the source of the story depicted in this painting? Does the location of the work add meaning to the artwork?

Materials on this page will assist you as you begin to look at images and construct meaning from their depiction. 

Signs & Symbols in Art

Ask a Librarian!

Contact the Reference Desk

email Email askanselm@anselm.edu
Chat Chat
smartphone Text (603) 556-8883
 phone Call (603) 641-7306
calendar Make an Appointment

 

Reference Desk Hours

Sunday 2PM - 10PM
Monday 11AM - 10PM
Tuesday 11AM - 10PM
Wednesday      11AM - 10PM
Thursday 11AM - 5PM
Friday 11AM - 3PM
Saturday 12PM - 5PM

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT