Iconography in paintings

[Beirut]

Since we have some pretty bright fellows around here I thought I would ask.

What exactly do the halos painted around Jesus and other holy figures signify? What was the intent of the painter who put them there? A friend of mine asked me to find out.

I'm Googling away trying to find out, but I'm sure someone here already knows far more than me.

[Sigurd]

What you are looking for is called a Nimbus and because it would take some time to type up a decent explanation; I’ll provide you with a link: Nimbus (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11080b.htm)
Enjoy! :book:

[InsaneApache]

I seem to remember that it wasnt just used in Christian paintings, it was also used by Roman artists to signify the importance of the subject. Sort of like a pointer.

[Byzantine Prince]

I beleave it is the light of the Holy Spirit. Only saints have the light.