The study of icons, symbols and their meanings. The term in common usage usually refers to religiously related iconography. However, iconography is also in some ways a form of language and cultural study, particularly in archaeology. Many languages, particularly ancient languages are strongly based on religious or cultural concepts which are represented as icons. Understanding the iconography promotes understanding of the languages and cultures. In the arts, 'iconography' is the study of subjects, or use of subjects, rather than artistic style.