Iconography

Iconography, literally "image writing", is the use of symbolic elements, associated with a theme or topic in a picture.

It is frequently used in religious art.

[edit] Halo

A halo is often used to indicate the holy person, or people, in a painting.

Buddhas with haloes

Last Supper, with Jesus indicated by a halo

Last Supper, with both Jesus and all the Apostles except Judas indicated by haloes

Saint Teresa, with halo

Saint Mary Madgalene, with a jar of ointment, and Saint Catherine, with a wheel to one side	Saint Lucy, with eyes on dish	Saint Agnes with lamb	Saint Bernardino of Siena, with a sun inscribed with IHS
Saint Barbara, with tower, sword, and cup	Saint Joseph, with carpenter's square and lilies	Saint Luke, with winged ox	Saint Mark with lion

Greek gods were iconographically identified, especially when used allegorically in a painting

Aphrodite, with doves and putti	Artemis, with deer	Apollo with lyre	Demeter with wheat
Dionysos, crowned with grapes and grape leaves	Athena, with the Medusa's head on her shield	Hermes, with Caduceus and winged helmet	Eros, winged, with bow and arrows
Juno, with peacock	Hebe, with cup	Zeus, with eagle	Selene, with moon on forehead
Poseidon, with trident