'iconography' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'eikonographia,' where 'eikon' meant 'image' and 'graphia' meant 'writing or description.'

'eikonographia' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'iconographia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'iconography.'

Initially, it meant 'description of images,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'study of visual imagery and symbolism.'