Renaissance iconography

Renaissance iconography refers to the symbolic imagery used in art during the Renaissance period, roughly the 14th to 17th centuries. Artists incorporated familiar symbols—such as halos for holiness, specific animals, or objects—to convey deeper meanings about religious figures, virtues, or biblical stories. This visual language helped viewers understand complex themes, moral lessons, or spiritual truths without words. While rooted in Christian tradition, Renaissance iconography also reflected humanism, emphasizing individualism, scientific curiosity, and the rediscovery of classical motifs, blending spiritual symbolism with a renewed interest in human experience.