Archangel Gabrielle Plaque (Xsmall)

Iconography as an art appeared when the Byzantine Empire was established in 330 AD. It is believed that the first works of this form of art are the murals of the catacombs of Rome.

In the Byzantine icon everything must be transformed into spirit. Everything must be sanctified, even the inanimate such as the trees, mountains and buildings. Nothing should be left as it seems.

http://www.theodoreicons.com/iconography-history.html is an informative link for historical and symbolic details.