Iconography Sources
 Iconography is the study of subjects and symbols in art. The following guide dealing with mythological, religious and secular subjects is meant to serve as an introduction to western iconography. Some of the sources listed below were selected to provide general information about subjects ranging from the Labors of Heracles to the Seven Virtues. Other sources were selected to provide an overview of how a particular subject or theme has been represented in the arts over the years. Finally, there are sources that identify individual saints by attribute or gesture and explain the significance of various objects incorporated into a work of art. This subject guide includes only user-friendly English language sources. Please consult the Fine Arts Library staff if you do not find the information you need.
Hall, James. Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art. Rev. ed. Icon, 1979x.
Arts Reference N 7560 H34 1979b
This dictionary of classical and Christian themes in western art has ample cross references and a supplementary index connecting broad subjects "lost" in alphabetical listing of topics.
Whittlesey, E.S. Symbols and Legends in Western Art: A Museum Guide. Scribners, 1972.
Arts Reference N 7740 W53
While the "museum guide" part of this book is dated, the basic dictionary of symbols and legends is still quite useful. The summary breakdowns on Jesus Christ and Mary are succinct and informative.
Encyclopedia of Comparative Iconography. Helene E. Roberts, ed. Fitzroy Dearborn, 1998.
Arts Reference N 7565 E53 1998x
Topics covered range from the mundane to the sublime. Each entry includes selected works on art and a bibliography. Strongly recommended for secular subjects.
Reid, Jane Davidson. The Oxford Guide to Classical Mythology in the Arts 1300 - 1990s. Oxford, 1993.
Arts Reference NX 650 M9 R45
This is the place to start when researching the treatment of classical subjects and themes in the performing arts as well as the visual arts. Entries include a brief descriptive listing citing classical sources followed by a chronological listing of references in various media.
Grant, Michael and John Hazel. Who's Who in Classical Mythology. Oxford, 1993.
Arts Reference BL 715 G 68 1993
Alphabetical listing of over 1200 persons and personifications in Greek and Roman mythology.
Sykes, Egerton. Who's Who in Non-Classical Mythology. Rev. by Alan Kendall. Oxford, 1993.
Arts Reference BL 303 S9
Worldwide in scope. Alphabetical listing of over 2,500 persons and personifications ranging back to the dimmest times.
Grimal, Pierre. The Dictionary of Classical Mythology. Blackwell, 1987.
Arts Reference BL 715 G 713 1987x
In addition to regular entries covering places as well as persons and personages, there are useful genealogical tables in this standard dictionary.
Duchet-Sushaux, Gaston. The Bible and the Saints. Flammarion, 1994.
Arts Reference BS 513.2 D 8313 1994x
Single alphabetical listing of saints and Old and New Testament people, events and places, as well as objects. Entries include the Biblical tradition or, in the case of saints, life and legend followed by discussion of when and how the subject is depicted. Very useful cross references. Additional references and short bibliographies are included.
Ferguson, George. Signs & Symbols in Christian Art. Oxford University Press, 1959.
Arts Reference N 7830 F 37 1959
Good, basic readable introduction to Christian iconography. Any edition will do the trick.
Metford, J.C.J. Dictionary of Christian Lore and Legend. Thames and Hudson, 1983.
Arts Reference BR 95 M 396
Contains pithy entries in alphabetical order. There are ample cross-references. Old Testament symbols and stories are included.
Murray, Peter and Linda Murray. The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture. Oxford, 1996.
Arts Reference N 7830 M 87 1996
Covers Christian history, doctrine and ritual as well as iconography. A good starting place, especially for architecture.
Schiller, Gertrud. Iconography of Christian Art. New York Graphic, 1971.
Arts Reference N 7830 S 3513 1971x
The first two volumes of a larger set -- and the only two translated into English -- these generously illustrated volumes provide detailed coverage of the life of Christ.
Sill, Gertrude Grace. A Handbook of Symbols in Christian Art. Collier, 1975.
Arts Reference N 8010 S 54 1975
Entries are arranged in alphabetical order in broad categories. Sections on Mary and "Miscellaneous Objects" are useful. Use this for a broad overview.
Tasker, Edward G. Encyclopedia of Medieval Church Art. Batsford, 1993.
Arts Reference N 7943 A 1 T 37 1993x
While limited in scope to English medieval art, this well illustrated work is easy to browse.
Dictionary of Saints. Donald Attwater, comp. New York, 1958.
Arts Reference BX 4654 B 8 1958
This is the quickest way to get to information about individual saints listed in Butler's Lives of the Saints. (See below)
Butler, Alban. Lives of the Saints. Edited, revised and supplemented by Herbert Thurston and Donald Attwater, New York, 1956.
Arts Reference BX 4654 B 8 1956
This standard work on saints is arranged by feast days. Contains bibliographical references.
Drake, Maurice and Wilfred. Saints and Their Emblems. New York, 1971.
Arts Reference N 8080 D 7 1971
The index to saints by their attributes is extremely useful.
Farmer, David Hugh. The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. 2nd ed. Oxford. 1987.
Arts Reference BR 1710 F 34 1997eb
This electronic book provides strong coverage of saints of the British Isles, in an easy-to-use online database. You can browse or quick search. Contains bibliographical references.
Jockle, Clemens. Encyclopedia of Saints. London, 1995.
Arts Reference BX 4655.8 J 6213 1995x
Provides easy access to information about veneration and cult sites for individual saints as well as the standard information about the lives, legends, and representations in works of art.
Kaftal, George. Iconography of the Saints in Italian Painting from its Beginnings to the Early XVIth Century. 4v. Sansoni, 1952 -- 1985.
Alden Fine Arts Library N 8080 K 25
Monumental reference works on saints, named and un-named, in Italian painting, broken down by regions. Each volume has an index of attributes, distinctive signs, and scenes. Includes bibliographic references.
Rochelle, Mercedes. Post-Biblical Saints Art Index. McFarland, 1994.
Arts Reference N 8079.5 R 63 1994
Designed to help locate specific saints in works of art from the fourth to twentieth century, this source also contains an index of attributes and actions.
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