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Icon
From the greek (eikon) for likeness or image, generally an image that typifies and/or inspires devotion to the depicted subject. More specifically, it designates images of sacred persons and events in byzantine religious art; and also has come to name small visual symbols used in personal computing. Iconoclasm is literally the breaking of images, so called from a movement in the eighth and ninth century byzantine empire that attempted to destroy and further bar representational imagery in sacred places on grounds that they promoted idolatry. Iconography is the depiction of a subject by an image or group of images; it may also designate the study of the intended meaning of an image or group of images by way of what is depicted and in what manner. This is distinct from iconology in that the latter deals primarily with the study of icons, in whatever sense, particularly as they function symbolically, though not necessarily in ways intended by their authors. Iconostasis: a screen that separates the sanctuary from the main part of an eastern catholic church and that bears sacred icons.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Synonym(s):
- Blossary:
- Industry/Domain: Art history
- Category: Visual arts
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