Immagine

Immagine is the Italian noun for image, picture, or likeness. It denotes a visual representation of something, including photographs, drawings, paintings, and digital graphics, as well as a mental image or symbolic representation in the mind. In broader use, immagine also refers to public perception or reputation, especially in media and branding contexts, as in l'immagine di un’azienda.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin imago, imāgin-em, meaning likeness or representation. It is cognate with similar terms in other Romance languages and with the English word image. In Italian lexicon, immagine appears in compounds such as immagine digitale (digital image), immagine mentale (mental image), immagine aziendale (corporate image), and gestione dell’immagine (image management).

In computing and digital media: An immagine digitale can be raster or vector. Common raster formats include JPEG, PNG, and GIF; vector graphics use formats such as SVG or EPS. Distinctions are made between immagine raster e immagine vettoriale, with differences in scalability and compression.

Cultural and communicative role: The concept of immagine is central to photography, cinema, advertising, and journalism, shaping how subjects and brands are perceived. It interacts with aesthetics, ethics, and technology, influencing editorial choices and audience reception.