Reading words and images

Images are iconic signifiers, they resemble what they describe and are usually learnt, viewed or experienced before learning words. Many things can effect the way images are read, one example is the plane of expression; this is how an image is rendered can alter the meaning. Another is through anchorage. This is used to describe the relationship between text and image as well as when they are separate. 

Anchorage - describes the relationship between words and visuals - relationship between text and image. The different types of anchorage are;

Word Specific -  words provides all or most of the information needed to decode the image. 
Image Specific - image provides all or most of the information needed to decode the image. 
Dual Message - both words and image convey the same message. 
Interdependent (or Convergent) - words and images working together whilst contributing information independently. Coveys and idea that neither could do alone. 
Parallel or Divergent - words and images that follow different paths or communicate ideas that do not intersect.  

To be able to make sense of words and images, both the denotation and connotation is needed. Denotation is the primary meaning, the immediate and literal deduction often with broad opinion. Connotation is the secondary reading, for example, in a illustration the reader may pick up on the style and what that means in reference to the image. This would allow them to link to other ideas and concepts, expanding on other connotations and the denotation of the image or text. Intertextuality link between one text and another coded interpretation - and can also add context. 

Ceci n'est pas une pipe

Text denotations:
'This is not a pipe' - French langue. Written as a statement or fact. 
Slogan/signature is in a handwritten style. 

Text connotations:
Key signifier - 'pipe' - associations with the object.
Handwritten text associated with informality, personal form of expression. Yet appears sophisticated.  
Statement suggests certainty where concept/idea does not. 
Signature - ownership over idea, signals that its a piece of art - value. 

​Image denotations:
Medium of the painting - oil paint on canvas
Realistic painting of a pipe.

Image connotations:
Painted carefully/skilfully - 2D representation of 3D object - photographic realism. 
More masculine looking pipe, dark colours, bold shape.
Status, more upper-class - authority.  
​
Anchorage
Interdependent/convergent - text and image work together to give meaning. Would not make sense on their own. Contradictory messages. 

Frame of reference: 
Painted in the 1920s, cultural reading dependent on time and place. Meanings change with context and when painting is seen. Presentation/representation.