Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art
DAAP Reference N7560 .H34 1974
Encyclopedia of comparative iconography: themes depicted in works of art / editor, Helene E. Roberts.
DAAP Reference N7560 .E53 1998 v.1-2
Dictionary of symbols / Jean Chevalier and Alain Gheerbrant.
DAAP Reference GR931 .C4413 1996
1000 symbols / Rowena & Rupert Shepherd
DAAP Reference N7740 .S54 2002
The Continuum encyclopedia of animal symbolism in art / Hope B.Werness
DAAP Reference GR705 .W47 2004
Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture
DAAP Reference N7830 .M87
The Shorter Cambridge Medieval History
Langsam Stacks D117 .P75 v.1-2
Medieval Art: A Topical Dictionary
DAAP Stacks N7850 .R67 1996
This reference work is a quick source for identifying and understanding the subjects, stories, symbols, and themes frequently represented in Christian art of the Middle Ages.
Butler's Lives of the Saints
Langsam Stacks BX4654 .B8 1999
Saints and Their Emblems
DAAP Reference N8080 .D7 1971
How to Distinguish the Saints in Art by Their Costumes, Symbols and Attributes
DAAP Oversize and Classics Reference N8080 .B5
Butler is the standard, classic source of biographical information on the principal saints. It is arranged by the saint's feast day. The other books make nice companions for art history research.
Handbook of Legendary and Mythological Art
DAAP Reference N7760 .W3 1969
These are exactly what they sound like, providing brief definitions for a wide range of subjects, themes, and concepts encountered in Western art and civilization. They supplement each other, so don't pick only one!
Iconographie de l'art chretien by Louis Reau
DAAP Reference N7830 .R4
Iconography of Christian Art by Gertrud Schiller
DAAP Stacks N7830 .S3513 1971b v.1-2
Iconographie de l'art profane au Moyen-Age et a la Renaissance by Raimond van Marle
DAAP Reference N5970 .M352 v.1-2
Nature and its Symbols
DAAP Reference N7680 .I4713 2004
Episodi e Personaggi Dell"Antico Testamento
DAAP Reference N8020 .D4 2003
These works are classics in the field. Schiller is a translation of the original in German. Even if your French is not good, it is worth also consulting Reau or van Marle. All deal with the variations and evolution of major iconographic themes. Bibliographical references and numerous illustrations are also provided.