Iconography

Iconography, literally "image writing", is the use of symbolic elements, associated with a theme or topic in a picture.

It is frequently used in religious art.

Halo

A halo is often used to indicate the holy person, or people, in a painting.

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  Buddhas with haloes
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  Last Supper, with Jesus indicated by a halo
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  Last Supper, with both Jesus and all the Apostles except Judas indicated by haloes
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  Saint Teresa, with halo

Christian saints

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  Saint Mary Madgalene, with a jar of ointment, and Saint Catherine, with a wheel to one side
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  Saint Lucy, with eyes on dish
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  Saint Agnes with lamb
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  Saint Bernardino of Siena, with a sun inscribed with IHS
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  Saint Barbara, with tower, sword, and cup
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  Saint Joseph, with carpenter's square and lilies
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  Saint Luke, with winged ox
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  Saint Mark with lion

Greek gods

Greek gods were iconographically identified, especially when used allegorically in a painting

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  Aphrodite, with doves and putti
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  Artemis, with deer
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  Apollo with lyre
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  Demeter with wheat
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  Dionysos, crowned with grapes and grape leaves
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  Athena, with the Medusa's head on her shield
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  Hermes, with Caduceus and winged helmet
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  Eros, winged, with bow and arrows
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  Juno, with peacock
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  Hebe, with cup
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  Zeus, with eagle
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  Selene, with moon on forehead
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  Poseidon, with trident