Symbolic interpretations of visual media are not static or universal; they are shaped by specific historical and cultural contexts. To fully understand these meanings, one must carefully consider the time and place in which symbols are created, shared, and perceived. Therefore, the study of visual semiotics demands a sensitivity to contextual differences, avoiding overly simplistic or ahistorical interpretations.

When I was studying Art History at University I was introduced to Erwin Panofsky’s Studies in Iconology which offers an interesting framework to interpret visual art iconographically and iconologically. This might be worth checking out if you are interested in decoding flash designs inspired by historical artwork.

Panofsky’s three levels are: pre-iconographical (pure description of forms), iconographical (identification of subject matter), and iconological (interpretation of underlying cultural or symbolic meaning).