Christian Iconography
The use of symbols and images in Christian art to tell stories and represent ideas.
What is it?
Christian iconography is the study of symbols in Christian art. For example, a halo around a person's head shows they are holy. A lamb represents Jesus. A dove represents the Holy Spirit. In Crivelli's painting, Mary wears blue, which symbolizes heaven, and Jesus sits on her lap to show he is important. The gold background represents heaven. Saints often hold objects that tell their story. Understanding these symbols helps you understand the painting's meaning.
Why it matters
Christian iconography helps you read the hidden messages in religious art. It makes looking at paintings more interesting.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more artworks with Christian symbols.
