"image attracts, deceives, imitates, resembles, replaces and animates”

The article Image by Kristine Nielsen gives a comprehensive yet succinct definition of the word “image” through the ideas of notable artists and stories in history. It’s interesting how the concept of “image” is something that seems to be simple and direct but once you try to conceptualize it into words, it’s more difficult and complex. A reason for it may be because of the changes in the purpose an image was used for as time passed. Perhaps a comparison study of the definition of an image in a given time compared to the advances in technology can also help to shine more light on why the word entails many different characteristics. Nielsen describes its multifarious roles by stating, “and therein lies the heart of the matter: an image attracts, deceives, imitates, resembles, replaces and animates”. I believe another characteristic of an image to note is its capability to hold different meanings simultaneously- whether it’s across many people or different meanings for one person.