There are over 26,000 subject terms which deal predominantly with Christian iconography but which also cover the entire range of medieval art. Each work of art has a primary subject which relates to the first scene described. All of the cards for each subject or theme are filed on the basis of medium and location, as in the Photographic File. The Subject File is broken down into five broad categories. Scenes Ecclesiastical, historical, liturgical, secular, sports and games, and occupational Nature Includes animals, rivers, vegetation, etc.
Objects Includes the entire range of secular and sacred objects.
Examples include musical instruments, utensils, furniture, vestments, etc. Miscellany Includes symbols or conventional motifs like the Hand of God, signs of the zodiac, monograms, etc. A bibliography for each work of art is included in the Subject File. Among the holdings is the largest reference collection of Crucifixion scenes, saints, and personifications in existence. With more than 150 searchable categories of information, the system offers researchers manifold ways to explore a wealth of material.