Welcome to Saints and Their Signifiers!

Have you ever stood in front of a painting and wondered why that saint is holding a wheel, a sword, or a lamb — and what it all means? You're in the right place.

Saints and Their Signifiers is Season 5 of Jo's Art History Podcast, and this time we're doing something a little different. Rather than our usual format, this season is fully thematic — diving deep into one rich subject across every episode: the iconography of Christian saints.

We'll be unpacking the symbols, attributes, and visual clues that artists have used for centuries to tell their stories — exploring why that saint is holding a key, a lily, or a severed head, and what it reveals about the world in which these works were made.

Whether you're a long-time listener coming back for another season, or a newcomer drawn in by the art on your feed, you're very welcome here. No prior knowledge needed — just a love of art and a curiosity about the world behind the image.

We can't wait to share this season with you. Subscribe now, and we'll see you in the first episode.

We'll see you soon!