Indexing
Images can be separated according to categories, distinctions, and depth of analysis.
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"Although any subject, whether of a text or an image, can be described in both broad and narrow terms, images are different from text in that they are always of a specific instance of something...This characteristic of images makes it particularly important to provide access to a subject of an image at as many points as possible within the range of terms that can describe or identify that subject." 11
Description, Identification, Interpretation:
Three levels of subject analysis, designed and used for the categorization of art images. They illustrate the layered nature of the indexing process. 9
I chose to focus on the subjects of images because while information regarding the medium, origin, and creator are also relevant, the subject of an image is what is most remembered - and subsequently searched for online.
Description
All generic elements of the image that would be obvious to any viewer
Objects
Sometimes images only need descriptive indexing to capture their entireity:
"red"
"popsicle"
Other times, it is only a starting point: ​
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"tea party"
"animals"
"girl"
"pocket-watch"
"rabbit"
"top hat"
Identification
Includes the context and names of depicted persons and events (the iconography of the image)
Objects
+ Names
Only someone familiar with the culture/icons/religion would be able to add this additional layer of meaning
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"Nativity scene"
"The Virgin Mary"
"Jesus Christ"
"Christianity"
"Christmas"
"Saints"
Interpretation
Incorporates the broader meanings and more abstract themes attached to the iconography present in the image
Objects
+ Names
+ Symbols
"Liberty"
"freedom"
"the American dream"
"To be or not to be"
"existentialism"
"human existence"
"suicide"
"tragedy"
