Computerized methods for searching pictures are becoming more common. With these it is possible to make powerful search requests using a combination of terms and search on comprehensive descriptions of the pictures. The descriptions can encompass various aspects of the content and allow different interpretations and levels of detail. This essay is about how you can examine and describe the content of a picture from many points of view. We have tried to identify differences in searching behaviour, and studied some methods for indexing of pictures. Our concepts are taken from the philosophy of art and from theories about the meaning of languages. In the future perhaps libraries can make pictures and illustrations in books available to the public, in a sophisticated system, for the purpose of providing visual documentation for study, research or other kinds of exploitation.