Virgin of Guadalupe Iconography Exercise

Iconography, literally means “describing images.” Iconography involves identifying, describing, and interpreting subject matter in art. Iconography is an important activity of scholars who study art, and their work help us to understand meanings that we might not be able to see for ourselves. For instance, unless you are schooled on Religious iconography, you could be challenged to recognize the different symbolic elements present on the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Please review the following websites regarding the symbolic elements present on the image the Virgin of Guadalupe

http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/2814/Virgin_of_Guadalupe

http://www.sancta.org/

and answer the following questions:

What does the image represent?

Describe the symbols that form the composition (the moon, angels, etc.).

Describe the iconographic meaning associated with each symbol.

What event is the image based upon, is there a narrative associated with?

Does the composition have any political implications and why?