(εἰκών , image, and γράφω, I describe), the science of so-called "Christian art" in the Middle Ages. It includes, therefore, the history and description of images, pictures, mosaics, gems, emblems, etc. There exist in our day many exquisite specimens of Christian iconography, which are preserved in libraries and museums, and are invaluable to us in determining the exact history of this "Christian art." The character of the illustrations, the form of the letters, suffice to determine the age and country where the work was produced. Thus a comparison of MSS. of Eastern and Western Europe brings before us the several stages which mark the growth of Christian iconography. (See ILLUMINATION, ART OF).
The most important modem work on the subject is Didron, Manuel d'Iconographie Chretienne (Paris, 1845, 8vo); trans. into English, Christian Iconography, vol. 1 (London, 1851, 12mo). Older works are, Paleotti, De Imag. sacr. et profanis (Ingolst. 1594, 4to); Molanus, De Pict. et Imagg. Sacris (Louv. 1570); De Historia Sacr. Imagg. et Picturarum (1619, 12mo); Miinter, Sinnbilder der Alten Christen (Altona, 1825, 2 vols. 4to); Wessenberg, Die Christl Bilder (Constance, 1827). (See IMAGE-WORSHIP). (J. H.W.)
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More