Feelings for someone can be expressed through their images

When the Devil say man made after God’s image and likeness, as he could not fight against God, he vented his wickedness on the image of God. In the same way an angry man might stone the King’s image, because he cannot stone the King, striking the wood which bears his likeness.

St. John Damascene
Apology Against Those Who Decry Holy Images
Part III, Quote form St. Basil’s Commentary on Isaiah