ˌīkəˈnägrəfē noun
( -es )
Etymology: Greek eikonographia sketch, description, from eikonographein to describe (from eikon- icon- + graphein to draw, write) + -ia -y — more at carve
1.
a. : illustration of a subject by pictures or other visual representations
figures … to be placed alongside the work of such masters of crustacean iconography — Nature
b. : pictures and other visual representations illustrating or relating to a subject
a discovery adding another portrait to the iconography of Columbus
specifically : art representing religious or legendary subjects by conventional images and symbols
sculptures … of the highest importance for the history of both Indian art and Buddhist iconography — V.A.Smith
c.
(1) : the imagery selected to convey the meaning of a work of art or the identity of its figures and setting and comprising figures or objects or features often fixed (as in medieval religious art) by convention : a set of symbolic forms
the guitar, the wine glass, the playing cards together form an iconography suggestive of pleasant, carefree moments — Aline B. Saarinen
(2) : the set of conventions or principles governing such imagery
the types of the Muses in art … must wait until the Roman period before their iconography and their roles are definitively codified — J.J.Seznec
2. : iconology
3. : a book, list, or other record featuring or dealing with iconography