Molanus explains that certain objects, such as the cross, the aureole, and the palm, can be used in images to express sacrality.
“Mention should be made in this connection of certain signs reproduced in images to express sacred meanings: for example, the standard placed from the Cross of Christ to signify his victory, the aureole placed on the heads of the saints, the palm placed in their hands, the mitre and pastoral crozier given to the bishops and similar matters.”
Huc etiam pertinent signa quaedam quae sanctis propter significationem rei sacrae appinguntur. Qualia sunt, vexillum quod cruci Christi apponitur, ad significandam victoriam eius, item aureola quae sanctorum capitibus apponitur, palmae in manibus sanctorum, mitra, ac baculus pastoralis quae episcopus dantur similia.”
Molanus 1996, 265.