iconográficos

Iconográficos is an adjective used in Iberian languages to refer to iconography, the study and description of the subject matter and symbols in images. In art history and visual culture, iconography concerns the identification of figures, events, and motifs—such as saints, mythological scenes, or allegorical symbols—as they appear in paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, architecture, and inscriptions. It provides a catalog of recognizable elements that recur across works and periods.

In scholarly practice, iconography often involves a two-step approach. First, researchers document the depicted subjects and motifs, noting attributes, symbolism, and narrative sequences. Second, they analyze how these elements convey meaning within specific historical and cultural contexts. The field is distinct from iconology, a term associated with Erwin Panofsky, which emphasizes interpreting the deeper cultural and theological significance of images beyond their literal subject matter. Together, iconography and iconology offer descriptive and interpretive lenses for visual culture.

Etymologically, iconography derives from Greek eikon (image) and graphia (writing or description). In Spanish and Portuguese, iconográfico or iconográficos functions as the adjective form; in English, the corresponding terms are iconographic and iconography. The concept spans various disciplines, including religious art, medieval and Byzantine programs, Renaissance symbolism, archaeology, and modern visual studies, where image repertoires inform inquiries into identity, power, and communication.

Applications of iconographic analysis cover a wide range of contexts, from devotional programs and royal propaganda to propaganda posters and contemporary media. The field continues to evolve with digital humanities, where pattern recognition and computational methods enrich the study of iconographic themes across large visual corpora.