ABSTRACT
Iconography is that branch of the history of art which concerns itself with the subject matter or meaning of works of art, as opposed to their form. It is obvious that a correct iconographical analysis in the narrower sense presupposes a correct identification of the motifs. The world of pure forms recognized as carriers of primary or natural meanings may be called the world of artistic motifs. Iconographical analysis, dealing with images, stories and allegories instead of with motifs, presupposes, of course, much more than that familiarity with objects and events which we acquire by practical experience. The discovery and interpretation of these 'symbolical' values is the object of what people may call iconography in a deeper sense: of a method of interpretation which arises as a synthesis rather than as an analysis. While an acquaintance with specific themes and concepts transmitted through literary sources is indispensable and sufficient material for an iconographical analysis, it does not guarantee its correctness.
