In this class we jumped right into a discussion about what iconography actually is. Using the etymology of the word (‘icon-‘ Greek for image, ‘-graphy’ coming from the Greek graphine, or to write) we came to the working definition of the study of the ways a subject matter is represented. I believe today was the first day we were formally introduced to the polyptych style of altarpieces. Those or pieces with several panels and the general progression as time went on was to go from the segmented polyptych style to a more unified piece. Although we did get to see in one piece that although it was one unified piece, it still incorporated the panel-like separate.
Two other parts of class I found especially interesting were (1) the beatific vision that was captured in many an artwork and (2) where altarpieces originated from. I had never heard of the beatific vision but its interesting to see artists takes on it, seeing as those its a vision premised on the fact that you’ve made it to Heaven already. The second was also interesting because it seemed a bit contradictory to me. Thinking of Christ as someone who was for the masses, yet those who felt the most pious made a point to use their riches to create a privatized worshipping experience. All the while, the worshipping assistant is being pushed to the wall, but who am I to judge?