Iconography and iconology are among the approaches
for studying image. Though dated back
to renaissance era, this approach as a compiled and
systematic way for examining image begins in the
dawn of twentieth century and in Warburg School.
Erwin Panofsky is the well-known figure of Warburg
School and his methodical study is intertwined
with titles of iconology and iconography.
In this article, the history of icon and iconographical
studies are examined and then the difference
between iconology and iconography is discussed.
Then, Panofsky’s opinions about reading image
and the three phases of this sort of reading are
discussed in accordance to his views. Panofsky
calls these three phases as “pre-iconographical description”,
“iconographical analysis”, and “iconological
interpretation”. These three levels are explained
separately and the article concludes with
some criticisms to Panofsky’s opinions.