At the end of the course Iconography of the Saints, the participants will be able to apply methods of iconographic analysis and recognise symbols and attributes of the Saints, through practical exercises and other resources for future use.
Overview
Since the beginning of the Ages Mankind has used signs and symbols to communicate a specific message.
The online 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
what will you learn in the online course Iconography of the Saints
• 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.
How it works
Course structure
1. First notions: Icon, Iconography and Iconology
2. The evolution and definition of the Iconography as an area of study
3. The Panofsky method
1 – Art and Christianity – the image as a vehicle for a message
2 – Graphic and written sources
3 – The first symbols of Christianity
1. Saints and martyrs: General aspects
2. Clerical vestments
3. Most veneered Saints: symbols and attributes
Author

Yolanda Silva
Graduated in Art History (Faculdade de Letras of the University of Porto). Her career led her to work at the Municipal Historical Archive of Porto and the Museum of ISEP, with inventory and conservation of Photographic collections. She wandered around the world of antiquaries and tourism, until becoming a professional trainer/tutor, dedicating herself to the areas of Art History, Iconography and Conservation of Photography. She currently works at the Department of Culture of Porto, within the scope of Heritage. Has several written works / published in the areas of Art History, Iconography and Conservation.
Reviews
Overall course evaluation – 4,5
(scale 1 – 5)
What students say about the course
Critical analysis and improvement opportunities
Although the results obtained are very good, some opportunities for improvement were detected from the comments.
The participants are satisfied with the contents and the presentation of the course. In general, the course was an asset for the participants. Of particular note are several observations by students of history, art history and theology who noted that the course is an important study aid.
We can say that the opportunities for improvement are in the field of editing.
Our online courses with a certificate are always open to revisions and new content. Thus, we modernized the graphic aspect of the courses and updated the entire e-learning platform.