Iconographic Analysis
·
Establishes the meaning a work of art had at the
time it was made.
·
Can include what the artist had mind,
o
But a more important factor is what the patron
wanted.
·
Relies on the reconstruction of historical
evidence.
·
Approach:
o
Starts with the object being considered.
o
The object is related to other visual images and
texts.
o
May involve considerable historical research in
primary sources.
o
May have multiple interpretations.
o
Different interpretations can address different
aspects, all of which can be correct.
·
Some objects are easy to interpret.
o
Generally made for mass audiences.
o
Revolve around well known themes and imagery.
·
Other objects may be difficult as the work was
meant to be private, or the wishes of the patron are unknown.
·
Need to describe the image.
o
Beyond what the evaluator things they know.
o
Copies can be used to affirm what is there, but
also provide a secondary perspective.
·
Symbolic references can be sketchy.
o
Where does the symbolism start and stop with
ordinary objects.
o
Need to compare them with styles and
representations of the time.
o
Symbolism can be taken out of context.
·
Meaning can be established through
o
Positions.
o
Gestures
o
Facial expression
o
Composition.
§
Determination of theme can give significance to
other objects within the image.
·
Iconographic analysis must be used differently
for those works of art that seem not to have a single meaning.
o
Multiple interpretations can be present,
§
But the need to be historically defensible.
·
Determination of the audience is necessary.
o
The audience will have specific knowledge,
understanding or attitudes.
·
Iconographic analysis can be used to explain the
meaning of a group of related works.
o
Can be complicated as similar meaning takes on
different context through different compositions or temporal cultural
understanding.
o
Example of secular and non-secular works from
the medieval age.
§
They were bound together but still had different
interpretations.
·
Newer works are complicated because their
interpretations are easily assumed.
o
Impressionistic or abstract works aren’t easily assessed.
o
But the forms and colors still provide information.
·
The artist can provide insights through their
comments on works.
·
Separation of subject, to how it was made to
composition can reveal meaning.
Munsterberg, Marjorie. "Iconographic Analysis." N.d. N.p. Feb 15, 2014. http://writingaboutart.org/pages/iconographicanalysis.html
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