In iconographic analyses, art historians look at the icons or symbols in a work to discover the work's original meaning or intent. To accomplish this kind of analysis, they need to be familiar with the culture and people that produced the work.

What is an iconographic element?

Basically, any visual depiction that is used to convey cultural or historical context or symbolic meaning represents an example of iconography. Imagery of food specific to a certain region is an example of iconography. ... All of the visual elements of a flag, even the colors, have meaning.

What is Iconological interpretation?

Iconology is a method of interpretation in cultural history and the history of the visual arts used by Aby Warburg, Erwin Panofsky and their followers that uncovers the cultural, social, and historical background of themes and subjects in the visual arts.