Encyclopedia of Comparative Iconography by For optimal results when conducting iconography-based searches in OneSearch, WorldCat, and many other databases using Library of Congress subject descriptors, it is important to understand how the Library of Congress constructs subject headings to describe various aspects of iconography and iconology.
Power Words for Searching Iconography
A Sample of Library of Congress Subject Headings Covering Iconography
| Animals in art | Art and mythology |
| Art, Medieval --Themes, motives | Buddhist art and symbolism |
| Christian art and symbolism | Christian saints in art |
| Grotesque in art | Image (Theology) |
| Jesus Christ -- Passion -- Art | Jewish art and symbolism |
| Jews in art | John, the Apostle, Saint--Art |
| Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint -- Annunciation--Art | Monsters in art |
| Painting -- Themes, motives | Patriotism in art |
| Signs and symbols in art | Symbolism in architecture |
| Symbolism in art -- Greece | Symbolism in art -- United States |
| Symbolism of colors | Vices in art |
Bibliography of the History of Art (BHA) search terms
This resource has its own set of subject headings that differ considerably from those used by the Library of Congress:
Many websites of major art museums and other institutions now provide some sort of focused keyword or subject search engine to find works of art. These databases can be extremely useful for searching on a particular iconographical topic. Here are a few sample sites:
Note that most of the key resources for this research are available in print only.
Symbols and Allegories in Art by 
Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art by 