Final answer:
An image is a representation that can be literal, symbolic, or abstract, significantly influenced by personal interpretation and context. Abstract images are based on the real world but altered visually, while the meaning of images, such as photographs and pictographs, depends on how they are perceived by individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An image can be defined as something that is itself and also stands for something else, a literal representation, or an abstract departure from the normal order. When we speak of an abstract image, we're referring to an image that takes its inspiration from the real world but has been altered by the artist to emphasize certain visual elements. It is recognizable, but it does not look exactly as we would expect it to in reality.
Interpreting images involves a unique set of skills because unlike text, visual information is presented simultaneously. This allows viewers to scan or focus on any part of the image, yielding an immediate general meaning while more complex meanings emerge as one reflects on the image. Such meanings may vary significantly from one person to another due to personal experiences and contexts.
Furthermore, the context of the image greatly influences how it is perceived. A photograph, for instance, which is an image produced by registering light, can convey different messages depending on its context. Similarly, a pictograph, which represents an idea or concept, can communicate through stylized imagery.