'image-rich' originates from English as a compound of 'image' and 'rich'. 'image' ultimately comes from Latin 'imago' (via Old French 'image') meaning 'likeness, picture', and 'rich' comes from Old English 'rice' meaning 'powerful, wealthy'.

'image' entered Middle English from Old French 'image' (from Latin 'imago'), while 'rich' evolved from Old English 'rice' to Middle English 'rich'; the modern compound 'image-rich' is formed in contemporary English by combining these two elements to describe abundance of images.

Originally 'image' meant 'likeness' or 'representation' and 'rich' meant 'wealthy/powerful'; when combined as 'image-rich' the meaning shifted to 'abundant in images or visual content' in modern usage.