Fourth Level of Meaning: Iconography

Finding Meaning

THE FOURTH LEVEL OF MEANING: ICONOGRAPHY

A basic definition, iconography is the containment of deeper meanings in simplified representations. Iconography makes use of symbolism to generate narrative, which in turn develops a work’s meaning.

Let's look at the iconography included in The Arnolfini Portrait, by Jan van Eyck. Each of the objects in this painting has a specific meaning beyond their imagery. In fact, this painting is actually a painted marriage contract designed to solidify the agreement between these two families. It is especially important to remember that this is not a painting of an actual scene, but a constructed image to say specific things using iconography.

 

Van Eyck - Arnolfini Portrait.jpg

The Arnolfini Portrait, by Jan van Eyck, oil on oak panel,1434

 

  1. Notice that the bride is pregnant. She wasn't at the time of the painting but this is a symbolic adjustment to represent that she will become fruitful.
  2. The little dog at her feet is a symbol of fidelity, and during this time is often seen with portraits of women.
  3. The discarded shoes are a symbol of the sanctity of marriage.
  4. The single candle lit in the daylight (look at the chandelier) is a symbol of the bridal candle, a devotional candle that was to burn all night the first night of the marriage.
  5. The chair back has a carving of St. Margaret, the patron saint of childbirth.
  6. The orange on the windowsill and the rich clothing are symbols of future material wealth. (Know that in 1434 oranges were hand carried from India and very expensive!)
  7. The circular mirror at the back reflects both the artist and another man, and the artist's signature says "Jan van Eyck was present", both examples of witnesses for the betrothal pictured. Again, at the time a promise to marry was a legal contract. 
  8. The circular forms around the mirror are tiny paintings of the Stations of the Cross.

 

Enjoy a similar discussion of iconography in the video from the Khan Academy about the Merode Altarpiece, the link is below.  It is amazing how you can read a painting if you know what to look for. An example of some of the symbolism historians believe to be in the painting are:

  1. the tools that Joseph is working with represent the Passion of Christ
  2. the lilies symbolize Mary‘s virginity
  3. the smoking candle which has just gone out represents the moment of the Annunciation, when God takes human form and his divine nature leaves in a puff of smoke

During this video the speakers also shed light on how meaning is built using the formal elements, the subject, and the context together to create understanding and appreciation for this complex artwork. 

Khan Academy Link: Merode Alterpiece Links to an external site.

 

Workshop of Robert Campin | Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece) | South Netherlandish | The Met

Merode Altarpiece,  Robert Campin, tempera and oil on panel, 1427- 32

 

The epitome of iconography used in paintings are the vanitas Links to an external site. of  16th century northern Europe, where literally the whole image is composed entirely of symbolic iconography. These still life paintings are heavily dependent upon symbolic objects that project the joy and accomplishments life affords, yet at the same time remind us of our mortality. Edward Collier’s painting below is a good example of how crowded these could be.

 

Edward Collier, A Vanitas, 1669, oil on canvas.
Edward Collier, A Vanitas, 1669, oil on canvas.
This item is in the public domain

 

The armor, weapons and medals show a focus on military accomplishments. The open book alludes to knowledge and in this case, the drawing of a canon mirrors the overall theme. The globe is a symbol of both travel and our common existence as earth-bound beings. Contemporary vanitas paintings could certainly include allusions to air and space travel. On the far right of the work, behind the book and in the shadows, lies a skull, again reminding us of the shortness of life and the inevitability of death.

Another more contemporary painting with icons imbedded in it is Grant Wood’s American Gothic Links to an external site. from the 1930’s. The dower expressions on the figures’ faces signify the toughness of a Midwestern American farm couple. Indeed, one critic complained that the woman in the painting had a “face that could sour milk”. Notice how the trees and bushes in the painting’s background and the small cameo the woman wears mirror the soft roundness of her face: these traditional symbols of femininity carry throughout the work.  In contrast, the man’s straight-backed stance is reflected in the pitchfork he holds, and again in the window frames on the house behind him. Even the stitching on his overalls mimics the form of the pitchfork. The arched window frame at the top center of the painting in particular is a symbol of the gothic architecture style from 12th century Europe.

We can use iconography to find meaning in artworks from popular culture too. The “Golden Arches” mean fast food, the silhouette of an apple (with a bite out of it) means a brand of computer, a single, sequined white glove Links to an external site. is associated with Michael Jackson, the ‘king of pop’, and the artist Andy Warhol’s soup can image forever links Campbell’s soup with Pop Art Links to an external site..