This ten-session course introduces students to the tools and methods of interpreting images in art history. Focusing on both religious and secular subjects, including Christian iconography, classical mythology, and allegory, the course helps students read and understand the symbols, narratives, and meanings embedded in works of art.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course provides an introduction to iconography and iconology as fundamental approaches within art history. Beginning with definitions and methodological foundations, such as the work of Aby Warburg and Erwin Panofsky, the course examines how meaning is constructed and communicated through images. Students will learn how to identify recurring motifs, attributes and narrative types, and how to interpret them within their historical, cultural and intellectual contexts.
The course focuses on key case studies drawn primarily from Western art from the late medieval to early modern periods. Sessions are organised thematically, addressing major areas of sacred iconography—such as the Old Testament, the figure of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints—alongside secular traditions including classical mythology and allegory. Through guided visual analysis, students will explore how images functioned in religious, political and domestic settings, and how audiences were expected to “read” them.
Particular attention is given to the relationship between text and image, including the use of biblical sources, hagiographies and classical literature such as Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The course encourages students to develop close-looking skills and confidence in interpreting visual material, while remaining attentive to the complexities and ambiguities of meaning.
This course may contain content that some learners may find sensitive or challenging. Some images discussed include depictions of violence, martyrdom, eroticism or suffering. These works will be approached with care and discussed within their historical and cultural frameworks.
What will we cover?
· An introduction to iconography and iconology as disciplines, including key definitions and art-historical approaches.
· Sacred iconography, with case studies from the Old Testament, the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints.
· Secular imagery, focusing on classical mythology, ancient gods and goddesses, and allegorical personifications.
· The role of text, tradition and patronage in shaping the meaning of images.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
· Define iconography and iconology and explain their role within art-historical analysis.
· Identify key symbols, attributes and narrative conventions in religious and secular artworks.
· Interpret works of art by relating visual imagery to textual sources, historical context and intended audiences
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course. These handouts will be posted via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
Elisa Stafferini is an art historian specialising in Renaissance and early modern Italian art. She recently completed her PhD at the Warburg Institute with a thesis entitled Women in Arms: Female Warriors in Italian Art, 1500–1700. She holds a BA and an MA summa cum laude from La Sapienza Università di Roma. Elisa has held research appointments at the University of Oxford, at the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz (KHI), and at the Scuola Normale Superiore (SNS) in Pisa. Her research interests encompass early modern visual culture, iconography and iconology, gender and politics in art, and the relationship between word and image. She has delivered lectures on Renaissance art and iconography in both Italy and the UK and currently teaches the module “Art in London before 1600” at University College London.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/ways-into-art-history-interpreting-iconography3023536Ways into art history: interpreting iconographyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-european-decorative-arts-at-the-v_a-vb909-1024.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities22851136113711771228511771136<p>This ten-session course introduces students to the tools and methods of interpreting images in art history. Focusing on both religious and secular subjects, including Christian iconography, classical mythology, and allegory, the course helps students read and understand the symbols, narratives, and meanings embedded in works of art.</p>003023527Ways into art history: interpreting iconography259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/an-introduction-to-european-decorative-arts-at-the-v_a-vb909-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB295259259Ways into art history: interpreting iconography207168259Elisa Stafferiniways-into-art-history-interpreting-iconography/vb295-2526<p>This ten-session course introduces students to the tools and methods of interpreting images in art history. Focusing on both religious and secular subjects, including Christian iconography, classical mythology, and allegory, the course helps students read and understand the symbols, narratives, and meanings embedded in works of art.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00<p>This course provides an introduction to iconography and iconology as fundamental approaches within art history. Beginning with definitions and methodological foundations, such as the work of Aby Warburg and Erwin Panofsky, the course examines how meaning is constructed and communicated through images. Students will learn how to identify recurring motifs, attributes and narrative types, and how to interpret them within their historical, cultural and intellectual contexts.</p><p>The course focuses on key case studies drawn primarily from Western art from the late medieval to early modern periods. Sessions are organised thematically, addressing major areas of sacred iconography—such as the Old Testament, the figure of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints—alongside secular traditions including classical mythology and allegory. Through guided visual analysis, students will explore how images functioned in religious, political and domestic settings, and how audiences were expected to “read” them.</p><p>Particular attention is given to the relationship between text and image, including the use of biblical sources, hagiographies and classical literature such as Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The course encourages students to develop close-looking skills and confidence in interpreting visual material, while remaining attentive to the complexities and ambiguities of meaning.</p><p>This course may contain content that some learners may find sensitive or challenging. Some images discussed include depictions of violence, martyrdom, eroticism or suffering. These works will be approached with care and discussed within their historical and cultural frameworks.</p><p>This ten-session course introduces students to the tools and methods of interpreting images in art history. Focusing on both religious and secular subjects, including Christian iconography, classical mythology, and allegory, the course helps students read and understand the symbols, narratives, and meanings embedded in works of art.</p><p>· An introduction to iconography and iconology as disciplines, including key definitions and art-historical approaches.</p><p>· Sacred iconography, with case studies from the Old Testament, the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints.</p><p>· Secular imagery, focusing on classical mythology, ancient gods and goddesses, and allegorical personifications.</p><p>· The role of text, tradition and patronage in shaping the meaning of images.</p><p>· Define iconography and iconology and explain their role within art-historical analysis.</p><p>· Identify key symbols, attributes and narrative conventions in religious and secular artworks.</p><p>· Interpret works of art by relating visual imagery to textual sources, historical context and intended audiences</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion</p><p>You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course. These handouts will be posted via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>Introduction to the Italian Renaissance</p>Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual207259168VB295NONETue21/04/26 - 30/06/2616:30 - 18:3016:3018:3010 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetElisa StafferiniBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities259259Ways into art history: interpreting iconographyways-into-art-history-interpreting-iconography/vb295-2526<p>This ten-session course introduces students to the tools and methods of interpreting images in art history. Focusing on both religious and secular subjects, including Christian iconography, classical mythology, and allegory, the course helps students read and understand the symbols, narratives, and meanings embedded in works of art.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00<p>This course provides an introduction to iconography and iconology as fundamental approaches within art history. Beginning with definitions and methodological foundations, such as the work of Aby Warburg and Erwin Panofsky, the course examines how meaning is constructed and communicated through images. Students will learn how to identify recurring motifs, attributes and narrative types, and how to interpret them within their historical, cultural and intellectual contexts.</p><p>The course focuses on key case studies drawn primarily from Western art from the late medieval to early modern periods. Sessions are organised thematically, addressing major areas of sacred iconography—such as the Old Testament, the figure of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints—alongside secular traditions including classical mythology and allegory. Through guided visual analysis, students will explore how images functioned in religious, political and domestic settings, and how audiences were expected to “read” them.</p><p>Particular attention is given to the relationship between text and image, including the use of biblical sources, hagiographies and classical literature such as Ovid’s Metamorphoses. The course encourages students to develop close-looking skills and confidence in interpreting visual material, while remaining attentive to the complexities and ambiguities of meaning.</p><p>This course may contain content that some learners may find sensitive or challenging. Some images discussed include depictions of violence, martyrdom, eroticism or suffering. These works will be approached with care and discussed within their historical and cultural frameworks.</p><p>This ten-session course introduces students to the tools and methods of interpreting images in art history. Focusing on both religious and secular subjects, including Christian iconography, classical mythology, and allegory, the course helps students read and understand the symbols, narratives, and meanings embedded in works of art.</p><p>· An introduction to iconography and iconology as disciplines, including key definitions and art-historical approaches.</p><p>· Sacred iconography, with case studies from the Old Testament, the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints.</p><p>· Secular imagery, focusing on classical mythology, ancient gods and goddesses, and allegorical personifications.</p><p>· The role of text, tradition and patronage in shaping the meaning of images.</p><p>· Define iconography and iconology and explain their role within art-historical analysis.</p><p>· Identify key symbols, attributes and narrative conventions in religious and secular artworks.</p><p>· Interpret works of art by relating visual imagery to textual sources, historical context and intended audiences</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion</p><p>You will be taught with lecture, slide presentations, activities and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course. These handouts will be posted via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.</p><p>Introduction to the Italian Renaissance</p>Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesconfigurable
11371136Introductory & general art history courseshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/introductory-general-art-history1/2/285/1177/1136/11371/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses
Gods and heroes from Classical to Renaissance artFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00