Learn to interpret works of art beyond their visual appearance through a structured approach to formal art analysis , iconography, and symbolism. This certified online course bundle provides the knowledge and practical methods needed to understand the meaning, context, and visual language of artworks from different periods and artistic traditions.
Package of 3 online courses with a Certificate in Iconographic and Formal Art Analysis.
In this package of 3 courses with a certificate, you will learn how to carry out iconographic analysis of works of art, with a particular focus on Christian iconography and the identification of associated figures and representations.
You will also learn the method for analysing works of art in the fields of painting, sculpture and architecture.
Save 40% on this package of 3 online courses with certificates in Iconographic and Formal Art Analysis.
Iconography Course (Iconography of the Saints)
Iconography of Jesus and Mary in Art
Online course bundle on Iconographic and formal art analysis
Participants will be able to:
Online course: Art analysis
- Understand the formal elements essential for interpreting a work of art.
- Learn how to analyse works of art by interpreting their elements.
- Learn how to place a work of art within its historical, geographical and social context.
- Learn how to analyse works of art from a thematic and stylistic perspective.
- Understand the specific elements of analysis to be applied to works of painting, sculpture and architecture.
Online course: Iconography of the Saints
- Recognise and distinguish between the concepts of iconography and iconology.
- Identify and recognise characters and settings using iconographic analysis
- Identify the key literary and visual sources for iconographic analysis
- When faced with a practical case study, apply the iconographic method at all levels of iconographic analysis, and recognise and contextualise characters and episodes from Christian hagiography.
- Apply methods of iconographic analysis and familiarise yourself with the symbols and attributes of the Saints, through practical exercises and materials for future use.
Online Course: Iconography (Jesus and Mary)
- To recognise and distinguish between the concepts of iconography and iconology, identifying and recognising characters and settings.
- We will identify the key literary and visual sources relevant to iconographic analysis, particularly those relating to depictions of Jesus and Mary in art.
- When faced with a practical case study, use and apply the method of iconographic analysis at all levels of analysis, always contextualising characters and episodes from Christian iconography and the lives of Jesus and Mary.
- Apply methods of iconographic analysis and learn about the episodes from the lives of Jesus and Mary most frequently depicted in works of art, with practical exercises and materials for future use.
What you’ll find in this package of 3 courses on Iconographic and Formal Art Analysis
The price of the course package includes 24-hour access for an unlimited period to:
- Lessons for each topic in the programme
- Links to articles, videos and websites
- Presentations and explanatory videos
- Assessment (1 final questionnaire per course)
- Certificate (1 certificate per course).
About the Training Certificate
At the end of each of the 3 online courses, a training certificate will be issued. Find out more.
We are a training provider certified by DGERT – Training Provider Certificate No. 1800/2015 – meaning the certificate is valid internationally.
The course fee (a single payment) covers all course content, assessment and the certificate. The fee is exempt from VAT under Article 9(10) of the VAT Code.
Learning
The courses are organised into sections or modules to facilitate the learning process.
However, you can navigate freely for an unlimited time without any restrictions, 24 hours a day, according to your interests and your own working method.
You can consult here the Rules and Regulations for Online Courses
Why Choose This 3 Course Bundle?
Most people are able to look at a work of art. Few are able to interpret it.
This package brings together three complementary courses that enable you to develop a comprehensive methodology for analysing works of art in a structured way, identifying their composition, historical context, symbols, characters and messages.
Throughout the course, you will learn to combine formal art analysis with iconographic analysis, gaining an understanding of how artists have used images, attributes and symbols to convey religious, political, social and cultural ideas over the centuries.
By taking these three courses together, you will gain a much more comprehensive understanding than if you were to take each course separately. The knowledge gained complements one another, enabling you to analyse painting, sculpture and other artistic expressions with greater rigour and confidence.
By the end of this package, you will be able to:
- Interpret works of art using recognised analytical methodologies.
- Identify symbols, attributes and figures present in artistic representations.
- Distinguish between formal analysis, iconographic analysis and symbolic interpretation.
- Relate a work to its historical, cultural and religious context.
- Develop critical thinking and visual literacy skills.
- Apply this knowledge in research, teaching, museology, cultural tourism, conservation and restoration, or simply to deepen your understanding of artistic culture.
By purchasing this package, you benefit from a 40% saving compared to buying the three courses individually, making this the most cost-effective way to obtain comprehensive training in art analysis, iconography and symbolism.
How it works
What you will learn in the 2-course bundle Analysing Paintings
Art Analysis
Unit 1 – Analysing Art
a) Reading / Interpreting
b) Writing about Art: concepts of visual rhetoric and visual literacy
Unit 2 – Analysing paintings
Elements of formal analysis
1. Identification;
2. Technical data;
3. Thematic;
4. Function;
5. Structure (basic and essential considerations);
6. Composition
- Contents: iconography and symbolism
- Thematic categories in painting
- Practical analysis of a painting (Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, by Thomas Gainsborough)
Unit 3 – Analysing Sculpture
Elements of formal analysis
1. Identification;
2. Technical and structural data;
3. Thematic;
4. Function;
5. Composition.
- Types of sculpture
- Practical analysis of a sculpture (Funerary lion (unknown author; c. 350 BC).
Unit 4 – Analysing Architecture
Elements of formal analysis
1. Identification;
2. Construction function or purpose;
3. Structure;
4. Relationship between function and structure;
5. Relationship between the history and geography of the construction site and architectural forms.
- Practical analysis of an architectural work (Central Tejo, Lisbon)
Iconography of the Saints
1 – Introduction to Iconography
2 – Christian Iconography
3 – Iconography of the Saints
- Introductory concepts: Icon, Iconography and Iconology
- The evolution and definition of Iconography as a field of study
- Panofsky’s method – iconographic analysis
- Art and Christianity – the image as a vehicle for the message
- Written and visual sources
- The earliest symbols of Christianity
- Saints and Martyrs: general aspects
- The vestments of the Catholic clergy
- Major saints: symbols and attributes.
Iconography – Jesus and Mary in Art
Module 1. Introduction to Iconography
Module 2. The Life of Jesus
- Introduction to Iconography
- Iconography as a field of study
- Panofsky’s method
1 – The Life of Jesus
2. Main Depictions
3. Other Depictions
Module 3. The Life of Mary
1. Mary – Mother of Jesus
2. Main Episodes in the Life of Mary
3. Other Depictions
Find answers to the most common questions about this package of certified online courses. Discover how the programme works, who can enrol, what skills you will acquire, and the benefits of learning about the analysis of works of art, iconography and symbolism in an integrated way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does this course package include?
The package comprises three certified online courses dedicated to the formal, iconographic and symbolic analysis of works of art, providing an integrated programme to interpret different artistic expressions.
Do I need prior knowledge of Art History?
No. The content has been organised progressively, allowing beginners to follow the programme easily, whilst also offering more in-depth study for experienced participants.
Will I learn to identify symbols in works of art?
Yes. You will learn to recognise attributes, symbols, characters and visual narratives, understanding their meaning and how they have evolved throughout the history of art.
Does this course cover only Christian iconography?
No. Although Christian iconography plays a central role due to its significant presence in Western art, you will begin by learning the principles of iconographic and symbolic analysis, which are applicable to the interpretation of different artworks and artistic contexts.
Does the course include practical examples?
Yes. The courses use the analysis of paintings, sculptures and other works to demonstrate, step by step, how to apply the methods studied.
Is this course useful for conservation and restoration professionals?
Yes. An understanding of iconography and the meaning of artworks is an essential tool for documenting, studying and contextualising cultural heritage before any conservation or restoration work is carried out.
Can I take the course at my own pace?
Yes. As this is an online course, you can study whenever and wherever you like, tailoring your learning to suit your schedule. You have 24/7 access for an unlimited period.
Will I receive a certificate at the end?
Yes. After completing the courses and the relevant assessment, you will receive a certificate for each course. To find out more about the certificates from Citaliarestauro
In which professional fields can this knowledge be applied?
The knowledge acquired is useful in museums, cultural heritage, cultural tourism, education, research, conservation and restoration, curation, cultural mediation, art galleries, and also for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of art history.
Why is it important to learn iconographic analysis?
Because many works of art communicate through symbols, attributes and visual narratives that are not immediately obvious. Iconographic analysis enables us to understand the true meaning of images and to correctly interpret their historical, religious and cultural context.
Let us not forget that works of art, in addition to their aesthetic value, are a tremendous historical record of the era in which they were produced.
