What is the Difference Between Iconography and Iconology

The main difference between iconography and iconology is that iconography involves visual images and symbols used in a work of art, whereas iconology involves the study and interpretation of the meaning of these visual images and symbols.

Both iconography and iconology have their origins in art. There are some art experts like Erwin Panofsky who maintain that there is a difference between iconography and iconology. However, most people, including some art historians, claim that there is no difference between iconography and iconology. In fact, most contexts use these two terms as synonyms.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Iconography
– Definition, Features
2. What is Iconology
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Iconography and Iconology
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Iconography, Iconology

What is Iconography

Iconography refers to visual images and symbols used in a work of art. We especially use this term to describe traditional or conventional images or symbols, especially in a religious or legendary subject. Iconography can also refer to the study of such images and symbols. It also attempts to study the meaning of symbols. Particular types of symbols and images are used by artists to convey particular meanings. Similarly, art historians and analysts look at the icons or symbols in a work of art to discover its original meaning or intent. However, to discover such information, they need to be familiar with the artist’s background, work, and culture.

Iconography played an important role in the world of religion. For instance, in Christian painting, there is an iconography of images; where, lamb which represents Christ, or dove represents the Holy Spirit.

What is Iconology

Iconology is the study of visual imagery and its symbolism and interpretation. It can uncover the social, cultural, and historical background of subjects and themes in the visual arts.

Roelof van Straten describes that iconology “can explain why an artist or patron chose a particular subject at a specific location and time and represented it in a certain way. An iconological investigation should concentrate on the social-historical, not art-historical, influences and values that the artist might not have consciously brought into play but are nevertheless present. The artwork is primarily seen as a document of its time.”

Erwin Panofsky, a German art historian, introduced a three-step method of visual interpretation of art. The first level or step involves the primary or natural subject matter of the artwork. The secondary level involves conventional subject matter, including signs/symbols/ images, i.e. iconography, whereas the tertiary level involves intrinsic meaning or content, i.e. iconology.

Difference Between Iconography and Iconology

Definition

Iconography refers to visual images and symbols used in a work of art, whereas iconology is the study of visual imagery and its symbolism and interpretation.

Nature

Iconography involves visual images and symbols in a work of art, whereas iconology involves the study and interpretation of the meaning of these visual images and symbols.

Panofsky’s Theory

In Panofsky’s three-step method of visual interpretation of art, the secondary level involves conventional subject matter, including signs/symbols/ images, i.e. iconography, whereas the tertiary level involves intrinsic meaning or content, i.e. iconology.

Conclusion

Both Iconography and Iconology have their origins in art. The main difference between iconography and iconology is that iconography involves visual images and symbols in a work of art, whereas iconology involves the study and interpretation of the meaning of these visual images and symbols. However, it’s important to note that these two terms can be used interchangeably in most contexts.