Here are the most important terms we will be using throughout this year's study; please be sure you get well acquainted with all of them:
- THEME: the general content of the artwork (general aspect/subject) (e.g. the landscape)
- SUBJECT-MATTER: the sum of identifiable objects, persons, places, references in the artwork (e.g. the rosegarden)
- MEANING (or, CONTENT): is revealed through interpretation; sometimes the title may be of help, but most often than not, it is revealed through careful iconographic and/or iconological interpretation
- ICONOGRAPHY: the overt or hidden symbolism in the artwork, rendered through images (signs, symbols)
- ICONOLOGY: the meaning revealed through the study of the cultural, social, historical background of the artwork (through literary, historical, etc., texts)
- DESCRIBING ART: the verbal pointing to the features; a means of gathering the support for interpretations; it concerns the subject matter, the most expressive formal elements; the principles of design, etc.
- ANALYSING ART: explaining how the described elements get their meanings, the artist's choices; inferring meaning; evaluating technique
- INTERPRETING ART: a most important and complex activity; the arriving at the meaning of the artwork by employing different strategies of interpreting based on the information gathered through iconographical and iconological insights
- EVALUATING ART: determining how good the artwork is, according to some criteria, either clearly stated, or implied, while providing reasons and evidence for judgments
Task: Watch the video. What is the role of iconography, and how does it work?
Deadline: Oct 23
Cordos Vlad Nicolae, Grafica, anul 2
ReplyDeleteIconography refers to the visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these. The term comes from the Greek word ikon (image). An understanding of the iconographic images and symbols used in a particular art work helps to reveal the meaning of the work. The video presents some examples of how this works in Christian religious paintings, where the lamb represents Christ or the dove represents the Holy Spirit. In the iconography of classical myth however, the presence of a dove would suggest that any woman also present would be the goddess Aphrodite. Last, but not least, Pablo Picasso’s work is mostly autobiographical, while Joseph Beuys developed an iconography of substances such as felt, fat and honey, to express his ideas about life and society.
Sztoika Gizela pictura anul II
ReplyDeleteThe role of iconography in artwork its the study thats focusing on the visual imagery and symbolism of the art. Its also the study of the interpratation of these images given by the artist. The meanings chosen by the artist are referred outside of the artwork.
Iconography is read outside of the usual tools used in art like color, shapes, form etc.Although they are important, the relationship between the image and the source text outisde is the one that it is more important.
The word comes from the origin word “eikon” in greek meaning the picture of Christ on a panel used as an object of devotation in the orthodox Greek Church from at least the 7th century.
The use in art is mostly used in christian art .The christian community has their own set of iconography . For example the lamb which represents Christ or the dove which represents the Holy Spirit.
There is iconography used in classical myth like the goddess Venus depicted in paintings of women.
Iconography has also a personal meaning about the image of God or as in the work of Joseph Beuys depicting the way he sees life in relationship with society.
ReplyDeleteTanase Giulia Ana-Maria, sectia Pictura, anul II
Iconography is a branch of art history whose role is to identify, describe and interpret the content of images, by focusing on their meaning, which is revealed by the source text from outside the artwork, not taking into account the features that define the creation inside, such as style, form, colour, etc.Thus, through iconographic lenses, the relationship between images or icons and the source text outside the artwork is of the greatest importance.
The term comes from the greek word eikōn meaning “image”, traditionally associated with “portrait” style images concentrating on Christ or Mary, used as an object of devotation and veneration in the orthodox Greek Church from at least the 7th century. In christian religious painting, they have their own set of iconography. For example, the lamb represents Christ, and the dove represents the Holy Spirit. In the sphere of classical myths, there was another own set of iconography. An eloquent example is represented by a woman accompanied by a dove, which would suggest the goddess Aphrodite or Venus.
Iconography could also be very personal; in the 18th century, the painter William Blake invents a complex personal iconography to illustrate his unique vision of man and God. Many artists developed their own iconography, just like Picasso, whose work is mostly autobiographical, and Joseph Beuys, who created an iconography of substances, such as felt, fat and honey, in order to express their ideas and visions about life and society.
Sebastian Crucianu MDV
ReplyDeleteIconography, a term stemming from the Greek word "ikon" meaning image, encompasses the visual elements and symbols embedded within a piece of art or the dedicated study and interpretation of these elements. A profound comprehension of the iconographic images and symbols employed in a specific artwork is instrumental in uncovering the work's underlying meaning.
In Christian religious paintings, as illustrated in the accompanying video, the symbolic use of the lamb as a representation of Christ and the dove as a symbol for the Holy Spirit is a poignant example of how iconography operates. The deliberate choice of these symbols imbues the artwork with deeper religious significance and aids in conveying the intended message to the viewer.
Contrastingly, in the iconography of classical myth, the presence of a dove takes on an entirely different connotation. Here, the symbolic implication suggests that any woman depicted alongside the dove is indicative of the goddess Aphrodite. This demonstrates the versatility of iconography, where symbols can carry distinct meanings depending on the cultural or mythological context within which they are placed.
Notably, the realm of modern art also embraces iconography in diverse ways. For instance, Pablo Picasso, a prominent artist of the 20th century, infused his work with autobiographical elements. Each stroke and symbol in his creations serves as a piece of his personal narrative, allowing viewers to delve into the artist's inner world through the visual language he crafted.
Similarly, Joseph Beuys, another influential figure in contemporary art, took a unique approach to iconography. Instead of relying on traditional symbols, Beuys developed an iconography using substances like felt, fat, and honey. These unconventional materials served as a means for him to express profound ideas about life and society, transcending the boundaries of conventional artistic mediums.
In essence, iconography acts as a dynamic language within the realm of art, allowing artists to communicate intricate meanings, religious or personal, through the careful selection and interpretation of visual symbols.
Șerban Irina, Design, Anul III, recuperare credite, în locul temelor de pe Classroom
ReplyDeleteIconography, functioning as a visual language, is a fundamental aspect of art that communicates meanings, symbols, and cultural narratives within specific contexts. It involves the study and interpretation of visual symbols and representations within artworks, with these symbols often carrying culturally or historically grounded meanings. Artists utilize iconography to create allegorical works where symbols represent abstract ideas or moral concepts; for instance, a skull might symbolize any woman depicted alongside the dove is indicative of the goddess Aphrodite.
Deeply tied to cultural context, iconography's symbols and images may carry different meanings in various cultures and historical periods. Understanding this cultural background becomes essential for accurately interpreting iconographic elements.
In essence, iconography is a rich and multifaceted tool that artists wield to communicate complex ideas, narratives, and emotions. It serves to enhance the depth and resonance of art, inviting viewers to engage actively with the layers of meaning embedded within the visual language of the work.
Lungu Andra, Grafica, anul III, recuperare credite.
ReplyDeleteIconography plays a crucial role in visual communication. It is the using of symbols and image, to convey and represent complex concepts and ideas efficiently. Iconography is a very powerful tool and its strength lies in the ability to trigger emotions, as well as associations with a deeper meaning than one can normally see, such as the representation of the goddess Aphrodite (or Venus) as a woman accompanied by a dove. This way, the meaning of images and artworks is dependent on iconography, that is very easily able to transcend even language barriers, transmitting deeper meanings with true nuance to everyone around the world.
Pap Andrada sectia foto-video an III, recuperare credite
ReplyDeleteIconography is the analysis and interpretation of symbols in a given cultural or artistic setting. Artists employ recognizable motifs or invent new ones to convey messages, themes, stories through their art. This symbolic language facilitates the communication of ideas that may be universally understood or culture-bound. So, iconography can be considered as a visual language that makes art expressions deeper and more significant in order to allow the viewer to interact with the artwork from a symbolic and intellectual point of view.
Ioana-Maria Mahu, anul II, recuperare credite
ReplyDeleteIconography, derived from the greek word "ikon," is the study and interpretation of visual symbols, often used in religious, cultural or artistic contexts. These symbols, known as icons, convey meanings and messages through visual representation. Iconography is a multidisciplinary field that combines art history and anthropology to analyze the meaning of symbols and their cultural or historical context.
Icons can take different forms, such as religious images, signs or symbols, as in the presented video we were given an example of a lamb or a dove, or Christ and the Holy Spirit, and are used to communicate complex ideas, narratives or beliefs. . In religious iconography, for example, specific symbols may represent saints, deities, or important events, serving as a visual language that transcends language barriers.
Beyond religious contexts, iconography plays a crucial role in art and design, influencing how we interpret and understand visual elements, whether in ancient manuscripts or Renaissance paintings. However, in contradiction with iconography is modern art, which does not respect any rules, moving towards abstract motifs.
Adelina Osan, ITA, anul III, recuperare credite
ReplyDeleteThe role of iconography is to decipher symbols depicted in images and interpreting icons based on source texts outside the artwork. The presented video highlights that iconography deals with conventional symbols associated with a subject, especially with religious or legendary subjects. The meaning of particular images is dependent on the context articulated in an artwork, as a dove can symbolize the Holy Spirit if in a religious context, whereas in a mythological context, the same symbol can represent the presence of the goddess Aphrodite or Venus.