ART

APPRECIATION
The Subjects
of the Arts
A piece of art consists of three fundamental
elements: subject, form, and content.

The primary concept that is shown in the artwork

is referred to as the subject in art. In art, a
subject is essentially the central idea of the
work.

The most common subjects of art include people

(portraiture), arrangements of objects (still-life),
the natural world (landscape), and abstractions
(non-objective).
CLASSIFICATION OF ART
ACCORDING TO THEIR
SUBJECTS
 Spring Flowers Numbers 1
1

REPRESENTATIONAL/
FIGURATIVE ART
 What is representation in arts?

Representation in arts refers to any art that attempts to

represent any subject from reality; it is a broad term.
Representational theory refers to one's desire to use
artistic expression to represent their perspective of the
world.

The three types of representational art are realism,

impressionism, and, idealism.
REALISM
realism strives to represent subjects with meticulous
accuracy and detail.

The Stone Breakers” (1850) by Gustave Courbet

IMPRESSIONISM:
impressionism focuses on capturing the fleeting
impressions and emotions of a scene.

Claude Monet (1840–1926)

is arguably the most famous
of the Impressionists as well
as the only one who
continued to fervently paint
nature scenes throughout his
life.

The Water Lily Pond(1899)

IDEALISM:
depict subjects in
a more perfect or
elevated form,
emphasizing
beauty, harmony,
and virtue.

Leonardo di Vinci - Benois Madonna (1478)

2

NON-REPRESENTATIONAL
ART/NON-FIGURATIVE ART
 A fascinating art form that deviates from the
conventional conventions of depicting the physical
world.

Non-representational art is not intended to portray a

picture of the outside world, in contrast to
representational art.

Rather, it delves into the subtleties of color, form, and

texture in order to stir feelings and stimulate the senses.
 Movements of
Non-Representational Art
1. Abstract Expressionism

Abstract expressionism, which

first appeared in the middle of the
20th century, is distinguished by its
strong brushstrokes, rich colors, and
textures.

Leading artists in this movement

include Mark Rothko and Jackson
Pollock.
 2. Suprematism

Suprematism is a form of
art that was first
popularized by Russian
artist Kazimir Malevich
and is centered on
simple geometric
patterns like squares and
circles.
3. Bauhaus
A significant development in the history of non-representational art
is the Bauhaus movement. This school, which was founded by
Walter Gropius, transformed artistic expression by bringing new
mediums and methods, including mathematics, color theory,
typography, photography, and sculpture.
3

ABSTRACT ART
 In the nineteenth century, three influential artistic
movements, namely Romanticism, Impressionism, and
Expressionism, played crucial roles in paving the way for the
emergence of abstract art. These movements challenged the
traditional notion of art, which primarily focused on
accurately depicting the world as it appeared.

Instead, artists started to explore new ways of

representing reality, shifting their focus towards subjective
experiences and emotions. As a result, abstract art evolved
along a continuum, ranging from pieces that retained some
level of representation to those that appeared completely
detached from the real world.
A.

Romanticism
 Romanticism, one of the earliest movements
to challenge conventional artistic norms,
emerged as a reaction to the industrialization
of society and the rationality imposed by the
Enlightenment era.

Romanticism laid the groundwork for

abstract art by pushing artists to look beyond
mere visual representation and explore the
vast terrain of emotions.
 The sky is prominent and overwhelming,
often taking over around half of the painting,
e.g. Venice Grand Canal by Joseph Mallord
William Turner.

The skies are gloomy or cloudy as a sign

of imminent danger and fear of the
unknown, e.g. Wanderer above the Sea of
Fog by Caspar David Friedrich.
B.

IMPRESSIONISM
 Impressionism, which emerged in the late nineteenth
century, further propelled the development of abstract art.

While Impressionist works still retained some degree

of representation, the emphasis on capturing the essence
of a subject rather than its accurate details was a step
towards abstraction. These artists challenged the notion
that art should provide exact reproductions of reality,
urging viewers to engage with the visual experience
rather than seeking literal interpretations.
Camille Monet on a Garden Bench, oil Stacks of Wheat (End of
on canvas by Claude Monet, 1873 Summer), oil on canvas by
Claude Monet, 1890/91
C.

EXPRESSIONISM
Expressionism, emerging in the early twentieth
century, took abstraction to new heights.

Artists associated with this movement aimed to

represent their inner emotional and
psychological states through distorted
perspectives and exaggerated forms.
 Edvard Munch: The Scream
The Starry Night, oil on canvas
by Vincent van Gogh, 1889
KINDS OF SUBJECT OF THE
ART
Still Life

They can evoke a mood, demonstrate an

artist’s skill, and remind you of life’s hidden
and temporary beauty. A work of art that
depicts collections of objects is called “still
life.” Still Life art has its origins in as early as
Egyptian and Roman times. It was also
prevalent during the Middle Ages and
Renaissance Era, but officially became a
genre of painting after these periods within
visual arts history.

It paints a picture of the motionless world,

filled with natural treasures like fruit and
flowers, or crafted objects like baskets and
bowls. In the realm of art, "still life" denotes
works depicting the quiet world of the
non-living.
Landscapes
Seascapes
Cityscapes
Landscapes:
Subject: Depictions of natural scenery
Focus: Can emphasize various aspects like the grandeur of
nature, its serenity, or its power.

Seascapes:
Subject: Depictions of the ocean.
Focus: Captures the movement and power of the water.

Cityscapes:
Subject: Depictions of urban environments
Focus: Can portray the energy and chaos of city life, its
architecture and infrastructure, or the social interactions within it.
 Nature
Artists in this genre seek to capture
the majesty and importance of
nature, evoking viewers' emotions
and creating a strong connection
between them and the natural world.

Since the beginning of time, art and

nature have been inextricably linked.
Various artists have used nature as a
medium to create unique art
movements, including
Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism,
and Romanticism.
Portraiture/portrait

Portraiture, also known as a portrait, is a

captivating art form that aims to capture the
essence of an individual by highlighting their face
and expression. Whether it be in the form of a
painting, photograph, sculpture, or any other
artistic representation, portraiture serves as a
means to preserve and commemorate the beauty
and depth of a person's character.
Mythology
Paintings depicting mythological scenes represent the tales and
characters found in folktales, folklore, and old mythologies. Many gods
and heroes who struggled for dominance, formed familial bonds,
achieved feats, and masterminded plots were brought to humanity by
the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Mythology describes
connections and character aspects in human civilization, such as the
bravery of kindness, betrayal, motherhood, or love. The Middle Ages
saw the emergence of the mythical genre in visual arts, which depicted
customs and tales.

Images of antique heroes and gods appeared in the pre-Christian

era and took an important place in the works by Renaissance artists.
Sandro Botticelli (1445—1510) created magical paintings, which
contained ancient characters, and came to be seen as “the father of the
mythological genre”.
Dream
successive visions, images, and feelings experienced by a person
during his/her sleep.

hold a multifaceted appeal:

1. Unveiling the inner world
2. Fueling imagination
3. Bridging reality and fantasy

Themes and Approaches:

1. Emotional landscapes:
2. Exploring the subconscious
3. Social commentary
4. Personal narratives

Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee- Salvador Dalí

Fantasy

Fantasy art is distinguished by its infinite inventiveness

and imagination. Within this movement, artists create
narratives, monsters, and imaginative universes that
transcend the bounds of reality. They explore the depths of
their imagination through their artwork, frequently taking
cues from literature, mythology, folklore, and dreams. Its
qualities—such as its limitless creativity, enchanted
imagery, deep symbolism, and narrative—have enthralled
viewers and revolutionized the art world.
SOURCES OF
SUBJECT OF
THE ART
NATURE
Nature has long been a source of inspiration for
artists throughout the ages. Its beauty, grandeur,
and diversity have captivated the minds and
hearts of countless individuals, spurring them to
convey their awe and appreciation through their
artistic creations. From ancient cave paintings to
Renaissance landscape paintings, nature has
provided artists with a subject that has the power
to evoke emotions, provoke contemplation, and
celebrate the wonders of our world.
HISTORY

Historical events, figures, and movements shape our

collective identity and provide a common ground for
artists and audiences.

By exploring historical themes, artists can connect with a

broader emotional and intellectual landscape, resonating
with viewers who share cultural references and
understanding.

Art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and

critique. By revisiting historical events, artists can shed
light on ongoing issues, challenge societal norms, and
promote justice and equality
 GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY

Some of the reasons why

Greek and Roman
mythology remain such
enduring sources of artistic
inspiration:

• Universality of themes
• Richness of characters
• Dramatic narratives
• Symbolism and allegory
• Aesthetic appeal
JUDEO-CHRISTIAN TRADITION

The Judeo-Christian tradition, encompassing both Judaism

and Christianity, has served as a vast and enduring source of
subjects for art throughout history and across diverse cultures.
Here are some key ways it has been used:

1. Narratives and Figures:

Biblical stories: From creation myths to historical figures like Moses

and Jesus, artists have depicted key narratives and characters from the
Hebrew Bible and New Testament.

Saints and prophets: Both religions venerate holy figures, with

countless artworks portraying saints like Peter and Paul in Christianity,
and prophets like Elijah and Isaiah in Judaism.
 2. Symbols and Motifs:
•Religious symbols: Crosses, menorahs, stars of David, doves,
and fish are just a few examples of widely recognized symbols
imbued with religious meaning.
 3. Architectural Spaces and Liturgical Objects:
•Churches, synagogues, and other sacred spaces: From the
grand cathedrals of Europe to the intricate synagogues of North
Africa, architecture reflects religious beliefs and narratives.
 4. Modern
Interpretations and
Reimaginings:
•Contemporary artists:
Even today, diverse artists
engage with the
Judeo-Christian tradition,
reimagining stories, symbols,
and figures in new contexts and
styles.
SACRED ORIENTAL TEXTS

Sacred Oriental texts have served as a profound and

enduring source of inspiration for artists throughout
history. Through their complex teachings, engaging
narratives, aesthetic beauty, and influence on the artistic
process, these texts have shaped artistic expression in
profound ways.

They invite artists and viewers alike to explore the depths

of human existence, morality, and spirituality, fostering a
deeper connection with the art and with the cultures from
which these texts originated.
OTHER WORKS OF ARTS

New art can respond to, challenge, or build upon existing works,
creating a dialogue across time and styles. This dialogue can
spark new interpretations, shed light on artistic influences, or
offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes. For example,
Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" reinterprets and
challenges the classical nudes of artists like Titian and Manet.

The structure, composition, and techniques used in other

works can serve as inspiration for new creations. Artists can
learn from and build upon the formal elements of previous art,
developing their own unique styles and approaches. For
example, the abstract shapes and colors of Piet Mondrian's
paintings influenced the geometric designs of fashion designer
Yves Saint Laurent.
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https://www.atxfinearts.com/blogs/news/what-is-nature-art
http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/fantasy/
Belting, H. G. (2011). Likeness and likeness: A history of religious art. Princeton University
Press.

Brubaker, L. M., & Prelinger, E. (2000). Images of religion in American culture. University of
Illinois Press.

Freedman, D. P. (2000). Art and Judaism. Oxford University Press.

Subjects of Art Activity - New Mexico Museum of Art. (2021). New Mexico Museum of Art.
https://www.nmartmuseum.org/discover/subjects-of-art-activity/#:~:text=In%20general%2C%2
0subject%20may%20be,abstractions%20(non%2Dobjective).

Meyer, I. (2021). Still Life Painting - History of the Object Painting Genre. Art in Context.
https://artincontext.org/still-life-painting/

Mythology in Art - History, Paintings, Artists. (2024). Arthive.

https://arthive.com/genres/mythological_scene

The birth of Venus by Botticelli. (2024). Uffizi Galleries.

https://www.uffizi.it/en/artworks/birth-of-venus