Iconology and Semiotics Comparison
11/11/2013
Edgar Gomes
Prof. Brooks, Art History and Appreciation II
Art Paper # 2: Iconology and Semiotics Comparison
We as humans all have an item or two that has been passed down or inherited. Whether it is from a family member or a close friend, we have received something that has a deep meaning and/or tells a story about someone or something that extremely relates to one’s self. The meaning the original object or story holder has, does not mean it is understood by others who hold the same story or object. As a 2 years old kid, I received a tiny spherei shaped black stone pendant, with white polka dots and gold plates on the north and south points. As I got older and was explained what it meant to our culture, I started understanding and appreciating it as I grew older. The sphere is supposed to protect the person who receives it from all evil and bad luck. It is usually given to the children from the mother or a close family member. Also the purpose and meaning is defeated if someone gives their selves the sphere. To other cultures, or people I am sure the sphere is considered just a gifted sphere from someone with nothing else but an object and over seen as such an intangible meaning and beliefs. In the art world this situation is consider iconology and/or semiotics. During this paper I will be discussing how I think iconology and semiotics are very similar.
In our everyday lives we go through things we don’t know the meanings of or how it came about. Iconology is a great deal of this concept. Iconology is the study of visual imagery and its symbolism and interpretation, especially in art, social and political terms. This term was given by the Erwin Panofsky (1892 - 1968) when he published Studies in Iconology during 1939. In Panofsky’s study of art objects and images there are 3 points.
The 1st level is as simple as identification. For example, if I showed you a picture of a man with armor on his body and sword in his hand, you are going to
Edgar Gomes
Prof. Brooks, Art History and Appreciation II
Art Paper # 2: Iconology and Semiotics Comparison
We as humans all have an item or two that has been passed down or inherited. Whether it is from a family member or a close friend, we have received something that has a deep meaning and/or tells a story about someone or something that extremely relates to one’s self. The meaning the original object or story holder has, does not mean it is understood by others who hold the same story or object. As a 2 years old kid, I received a tiny spherei shaped black stone pendant, with white polka dots and gold plates on the north and south points. As I got older and was explained what it meant to our culture, I started understanding and appreciating it as I grew older. The sphere is supposed to protect the person who receives it from all evil and bad luck. It is usually given to the children from the mother or a close family member. Also the purpose and meaning is defeated if someone gives their selves the sphere. To other cultures, or people I am sure the sphere is considered just a gifted sphere from someone with nothing else but an object and over seen as such an intangible meaning and beliefs. In the art world this situation is consider iconology and/or semiotics. During this paper I will be discussing how I think iconology and semiotics are very similar.
In our everyday lives we go through things we don’t know the meanings of or how it came about. Iconology is a great deal of this concept. Iconology is the study of visual imagery and its symbolism and interpretation, especially in art, social and political terms. This term was given by the Erwin Panofsky (1892 - 1968) when he published Studies in Iconology during 1939. In Panofsky’s study of art objects and images there are 3 points.
The 1st level is as simple as identification. For example, if I showed you a picture of a man with armor on his body and sword in his hand, you are going to