Saint symbolism has been used from the very beginnings of the religion. Each saint is said to have led an exemplary life and symbols have been used to tell these stories throughout the history of the Church. A number of Christian saints are traditionally represented by a symbol or iconic motif associated with their life, termed an attribute or emblem, in order to identify them. The study of these forms part of iconography in art history. They were particularly used so that the illiterate could recognize a scene, and to give each of the Saints something of a personality in art. They are often carried in the hand by the Saint.
Attributes often vary with either time or geography, especially between Eastern Christianity and the West. Orthodox images more often contained inscriptions with the names of saints, so the Eastern repertoire of attributes is generally smaller than the Western. Many of the most prominent saints, like Saint Peter and Saint John the Evangelist can also be recognised by a distinctive facial type. Some attributes are general, such as the martyr's palm. The use of a symbol in a work of art depicting a Saint reminds people who is being shown and of their story. The following is a list of some of these attributes.
Saints listed by name
Saints (A–H)
Saints (Q–Z)
I
Article title AttributesIda of Toggenburg Deer, or a deer with 12 candles, crowIgnatius of Antiochbishops vestments, surrounded by lions or in chainsIgnatius of Loyolachasuble, book often inscribed with Ad majorem Dei gloriam, or the letters AMDG, the christogram IHS with a cross across the h (traditionally with three nails below the letters, and the letters and nails surrounded by the sun's rays), sword, cross, biretta Imelda Lambertini Wearing first communion dress, chapel veil with attached to a chaplet of flowers on her head and rosaryImerius of Immertalhermit's garb and bird of preyIndaletiusmiter, staff and a book in his handsInés de Benigánim Religious habit of a Discalced Augustinian nunInnocent XI Papal attire, Papal tiara, camauroInnocent of Alaska Vested as a bishop, with a moderately long black beard, holding a Gospel Book or scrollInnocenzo da Berzo Capuchin habitInocencio of Mary Immaculate Passionist habit and Passionist SignIrene of Rome Tending to Saint SebastianIrene of Tomarmartyr's palmIrene Stefani Religious habit of the Consolata Missionary SistersIrmgard of Chiemseecrozier of an abbess, flaming heart, Benedictine habit, crownIrmina of Oeren a church in her hand, signifying her status as a church founder; with two angels above her head, carrying her soul to heavenDunbar, Agnes B.C. (1901). A Dictionary of Saintly Women. London: George Bell & Sons. pp. 413–414Isaac of Dalmatia Clothed as an Eastern monk, sometimes holding a scroll with a quotation from his hagiography, sometimes carrying a paterissaIsaac of Nineveh Scrolls and books, writing toolsIsabel Cristina Mrad Campos Martyr's palm, Lily flower, rosaryIsaiah With gray hair and beard holding a scroll with words from Isaiah 7:14, ecce virgo concipiet et pariet filium et vocabitur nomen eius Emmanuel (behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be Emmanuel)Isabel Sánchez Romero Dominican habit, crucifixIsidore De Loor Passionist habitIsidore of Seville bees; holding a pen while surrounded by a swarm of bees; bishop standing near a beehive; with a prince at his feet; pen; with pen and book; with Ss. Leander, Fulgentius, and Florentina; with his EtymologiaeIsidore the Laborerpeasant holding a sickle and a sheaf of corn, a sickle and staff, as an angel plows for him; or with an angel and white oxen near him. In Spanish art, his attributes are a spade or a plough.Isnardo da Chiampo Dominican habitIstván Sándor (martyr) book, Martyr's palmIvo of Kermartinas a lawyer, holding a document, in legal dress
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