Overview
Learn about symbolic analysis and formal analysis of art. The 2 courses package includes the online courses: Analysing art and Iconography (of the Saints).
Language: English
The course package fee includes access 24 hours / day for unlimited time to:
- Lessons for each theme of the programs
- downloadable e-books
- Links to articles, videos and websites
- Assessment (1 final questionnaire per course)
- Certificate (1 certificate per course).
General objectives of Symbolic analysis and formal analysis 2 courses package
How it works
Iconography
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
The 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
Analysing Art
1. Analysing Art
a) Reading / Interpreting
b) Writing about Art: concepts of visual rhetoric and visual literacy
2. Painting
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)
3. 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).
4. Architecture
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)
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
What students say about the course
Reviews are available for each course on the corresponding pages.