How do I use an image as a `ChartLabel`?

Question

I'm trying to use an image as a ChartLabel and I'm getting strange results.

Here is a bar chart, with labels, that looks ok:

But when I try to replace the "A" label with an image, the output is confusing:

Specifically, the image overlaps the plot and is scaled weirdly.

I'd like it to be small, and centered, as the "A" label is in the image above.

What's the right way to use an image as a ChartLabel?

Answer 1

Update: The option LabelingSize provides a convenient way to size the images.

images = ExampleData[{"TestImage", #}] & /@ {"Lena", "Elaine", "Mandrill"};

is = 60;
bs = .2; 

BarChart[Thread[Labeled[{1, 2, 3}, images, Below]], 
 BarSpacing -> bs, LabelingSize -> is (1 - bs), ImageSize -> 1 -> is]

With is = 120 and bs = .3 we get:

Original answer:

images = ExampleData[{"TestImage", #}] & /@ {"Lena", "Elaine", "Mandrill"};

BarChart[{1, 2, 3}, ChartLabels -> 
 Placed[Thumbnail[#, Tiny] & /@ images, Axis, Panel[#, FrameMargins -> 0] &]]

Alternatively, you could use Magnify instead of Thumbnail:

BarChart[{1, 2, 3}, 
 ChartLabels -> Placed[images, Axis, Framed[Magnify[#, .3], FrameStyle -> None] &]]

Few more alternatives that produce similar pictures:

BarChart[{1, 2, 3}, ChartLabels -> (Framed[Magnify[#, .3], FrameStyle->None] & /@ images)]
BarChart[{1, 2, 3}, ChartLabels -> Placed[Pane[Magnify[#, .1]] & /@ images, Axis]]
BarChart[{1, 2, 3}, ChartLabels->Placed[Framed[Magnify[#, .3], 
  FrameStyle -> None]& /@ images, Axis]]

Answer 2

How about using ChartElements instead of ChartLabels.

images = ExampleData[{"TestImage", #}] & /@ {"Lena", "Mandrill"};

BarChart[{{1, 2, 3}, {4, 5, 6}}, ChartElements -> {images, None}]