Iconography of the Saints explores the visual language through which Christian sanctity has been represented, recognized, and transmitted across centuries. From the earliest symbols of martyrdom to the complex visual programs of the Middle Ages and beyond, the course examines how images of saints communicate identity, theology, devotion, and cultural values.
Through the study of attributes, gestures, narratives, and stylistic conventions, participants will learn to identify saints and interpret their iconography within historical, artistic, and devotional contexts.
The course combines visual analysis with historical sources, encouraging a critical reading of images as both artistic creations and powerful tools of religious communication.
Iconography of the Saints – Online Course – International Certificate
At the end of the Iconography Course you will be able to apply methods of iconographic analysis and recognise symbols of christian iconography and attributes of the Saints, through practical exercises and other resources for future use.
The study of iconography in art is a powerful tool for the interpretation and art analysis
Iconography Course
Language: English.
Also available in: Português | Español.
The Iconography course fee includes 24-hour access for an unlimited time to:
- Lessons.
- Tutorial videos.
- Support texts and downloadable Ebooks:
3 Support manuals
Ebook Symbols of Proto Christianity
Representations of Saints Ebook - Glossaries:
glossary of clergy robes
glossary of saints’ attributes - Links databases, consultation and development of themes.
- Practical exercises.
- Bibliography and webgraphy.
- Evaluation (1 final questionnaire)
- Certificate
In addition to an online iconography course you will acquire important analysis tools for future use.
what will you learn in the Online Iconography Course
• Recognise and distinguish the concepts of iconography and iconology.
• Identify and recognise characters and scenarios, using the iconographic analysis method.
• Identify literary and graphic sources important to the iconographic reading.
• Before a practical case, apply the iconographic method in all its levels of reading
• Recognise and contextualise characters and episodes of Christian hagiography.
Who should take this Iconography Course
Designed for students, heritage professionals, educators, and all those interested in religious art, this Iconography course provides essential tools to understand how sacred images function, why they endure, and how they continue to shape visual culture today.
This course is intended for students and professionals who are engaged in activities related to:
- History,
- Art History,
- Museography,
- Conservation and Restoration,
- Tourism professionals
- Cultural Heritage
However, it is perfectly suited to anyone for those who are interested in the themes and want to increase their culture about history, art history and hagiography.
No access requirements
Certificate
A training certificate will be issued at the end of the course. Find out more.
We are a training entity certified by DGERT – Training Entity Certificate No. 1800/2015 – so the certificate has international validity.
The course price (a single payment) includes all content, assessment and certificate. The value is exempt from VAT under paragraph 10 of Article 9 of the CIVA.
How it works
Iconography Course structure
Part 1 – First notions
1. First notions: Icon, Iconography and Iconology
2. The evolution and definition of the Iconography as an area of study
3. The Panofsky method
Part 2 – Christian Iconography
1 – Art and Christianity – the image as a vehicle for a message
2 – Graphic and written sources
3 – The first symbols of Christianity
Part 3 – Iconography of the Saints
1. Saints and martyrs: General aspects
2. Clerical vestments
3. Most veneered Saints: symbols and attributes
