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.
Halo[edit]
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
Christian saints[edit]
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
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Greek gods[edit]
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
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