iconography
n. C1 Advanced US //ˌaɪkəˈnɑɡɹəfi// UK //ˌaɪkənˈɒɡɹəfi// iconog·ra·phy
n. the study of symbols and images used in a specific culture or time period. It also refers to the collection of these symbols and images themselves.
n. the study of symbols and images used in a particular culture, religion, or historical period. It can also refer to the specific set of images or symbols associated with a particular subject or person.
The iconography of the cathedral includes many religious symbols.
Art historians often study the iconography of ancient pottery to understand the beliefs of the people who made it.
The film's visual iconography draws heavily from the noir genre, using deep shadows and stark lighting to create a sense of moral ambiguity.
From icono- + -graphy.