ART APPRECIATION

MODULE 4: SUBJECT AND

CONTENT

PRESENTED BY: Balgua, Angiela R.

Botor, Judilyn G.
Conde, John Chris Patrick S.
Cuizon, Ellah Grace M.
Doctor, Rosean Joy O.
Dumali, Queenie Marie Shaniah V.
 Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students should be able to:

01 02
Differentiate Discuss the difference
representational art and between an artwork’s
non-representational art; subject and its content;

03
Identify the subject
04
Enumerate the sources
matter and content of of the subjects of some
specific examples of art; of the most recognizable
and works of art in Philippine
art History.
Definition of Subject
The subject of a work of art refers to the
central character, object, or element that is presented
as the focus of the piece. The subject is what
immediately catches the viewer’s attention and is
often the most recognizable aspect of the artwork.
Whether the subject is located at the center of the
piece or in any other part, it remains the visual focal
point.

Example: In a painting of a dog running along the

beach, the dog is the “subject” because it is the most
prominent and recognizable feature in the artwork.
Even if it is placed at the side, it draws the viewer’s
attention as the focus of the composition.
Definition of Subject

The subject is essential in helping viewers relate to

the artwork. It provides a foundation for
understanding what the piece is about. In summary,
the subject is the most identifiable component of a
work of art and is often regarded as the “what” of the
artwork.
Definition of Content
The content of a work of art is the deeper meaning or
message the artist intends to communicate through the piece. It
encompasses not only the subject but also how the artist uses various
techniques, colors, and forms to convey an emotion, narrative, or
concept.

Example: In the same painting of a dog on the

beach, the “content”could include the sense of
freedom and joy, shown through the dog’s
fur flowing in the wind, the warm lighting of
the sun, and the open space of the beach.
Definition of Content
The content adds layers of
meaning to the subject, making it more
than just a visual image. It encourages
the viewer to analyze and interpret the
artist's message. In short, content is the
"why" behind the artwork—the deeper
message or meaning that the artist
wishes to convey.
Main Differences Between Subject and Content
Basis of Comparison Subject Content
Definition The main object in The meaning of the work
an artwork of art
Determination Very recognizable Must be analyzed
In the work of art Is one of the parts of Involves and unifies all
a work of art parts of the artwork
In essence, the “subject” is the recognizable focus of the artwork,
while the “content” involves the interpretation of the entire piece,
including its form, techniques, and the artist’s intention.
TYPES OF
SUBJECT
 1. Representational Art
Representational art refers to artwork that
portrays objects, figures, or scenes from the real
world. These subjects are easily recognizable
because they represent actual things or events.
Representational art includes subcategories such as
realism, impressionism, idealism, and stylization.

Example: Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is one of

the most famous representational artworks,
depicting a woman based on a real person. Other
examples include Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Two
Sisters” (1881), which portrays recognizable human
figures.
 1. Representational Art

Representational art is often

favored by many because it is easier to
understand and relate to, as viewers can
quickly recognize the subject.
 1. Non-Representational Art
In contrast, non-representational art does not depict anything from the
real world. Instead, it focuses on abstract forms like colors, shapes, and lines, and
does not try to represent reality. Non-representational art relies heavily on
aesthetics and emotions rather than recognizable subjects.
Example: Jackson Pollock’s “Number
1A”(1948) is a famous example of
non-representational art, where there
x
is no recognizable subject, only
abstract drips and splatters of paint
that convey emotion or energy.

Non-representational art requires a deeper level of analysis and interpretation

from the viewer, as the message or meaning may not be immediately apparent.
Sources of Subjects in Art
When artists face creative blocks, they are often encouraged to
look within and draw from what they know. This is true not only for writers
but also for painters, as their personal experiences, surroundings, and
history provide a wealth of material. In representational art, it is often
easier to discern the source of inspiration, as the figures and scenes
depicted are recognizable. However, in non-representational art, a deeper
level of interpretation is needed to understand the emotions or concepts
being conveyed. The sources and kinds of subjects in art are closely
intertwined, with even a single source of inspiration leading to multiple
creative expressions.
1. Nature: One of the most fundamental sources of artistic inspiration
is nature. Artists have long been inspired by the natural world, using it to
explore themes of life, beauty, and the sacred. Nature offers a rich array of
subject matter, from plants and animals to landscapes and the changing
seasons. This is seen in the works of Vincent van Gogh, who viewed nature
and art as inseparable. He often found solace in painting the unspoiled
fields around him. Other notable artists who drew from nature include
Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, and JMW Turner. In the
Philippines, artists like Fernando Amorsolo and Fabian de la Rosa became
known for their rural scenes, often depicting women in the fields during
harvest.
2. Greek and Roman Mythology:
Another prominent source of inspiration for
artists has been the rich stories of Greek and
Roman mythology. These myths provided
artists with episodes of heroism, folly, and
divine intervention, often translated into
paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Artists
would give visual form to gods and
goddesses like Aphrodite and Achilles,
immortalizing their beauty, strength, and
tragedies. These stories, drawn from ancient
literature, allowed artists to delve into
themes of human nature, fate, and morality.
●
3. Religion: Religion has been a powerful influence
on Western art, particularly in the Judeo-Christian
tradition. Unlike other traditions, such as Islam, which
prohibits depictions of God, Christianity allowed for
visual representations of biblical figures and sacred
stories. This gave rise to a wealth of religious art, from
paintings to grand architectural works. Michelangelo's
fresco in the Sistine Chapel, commissioned by Pope
Julius II, stands as one of the most significant religious
artworks in history. This immense project, completed
between 1508 and 1512, demonstrated the deep
connection between faith and art. Additionally, Gothic
cathedrals, with their soaring ceilings, flying buttresses,
and stained-glass windows, aimed to inspire awe and
reflect the majesty of God. The Gothic style, associated
with Abbot Suger, reinforced the central role of art in
religious experience.
4. Sacred Oriental Texts: In India, art
has also been deeply intertwined with
religion and sacred texts. Miniature
paintings from Central India were
influenced by Vedic texts, such as the
*Upanishads* and *Puranas*, as well as the
Sanskrit epics *Mahabharata* and
*Ramayana*. These small but highly
detailed paintings often illustrated heroic
narratives and were designed to inspire
devotion and ethical conduct. Artists used
vibrant contrasts of color and sometimes
incorporated verses from the epics,
blending visual and literary traditions.
5. Colonial Art in the Philippines: During the Spanish
colonial period in the Philippines, art was predominantly
representational, with religious themes playing a central
role. Early paintings and sculptures, such as santos and
other votive figures, were created to aid the Catholic
ministry in communicating with the local population,
many of whom spoke different languages. As Spanish
influence grew, traditional art forms merged with foreign
techniques and styles. By the nineteenth century, secular
art began to gain momentum, largely due to the rise of
the middle class following the opening of the Suez Canal
and agricultural export growth. Wealthy families, known
as the ilustrados, commissioned portraits to document
their elevated status, leading to the rise of portrait artists
like Simon Flores, Justiniano Asuncion, and Antonio
Malantic.
 KIND OF SUBJECT
This refers to the main theme or focus of an artwork—what the artist
has chosen to depict. Different kinds of subjects, like landscapes,
figures, or mythology, guide the overall content and meaning of the
artwork.
 1. History: Historical subjects in art depict important events from the
past, like battles, revolutions, or significant cultural
moments. These artworks often serve to document or
commemorate specific times or people. Examples include
paintings of wars or portraits of famous historical figures.
• -This painting captures the execution of Spanish
rebels during the Peninsular War.

2. Still Life
Artist: Francisco Goya
Artwork: The Third of May 1808

Still life art focuses on inanimate objects, like flowers, fruits,

or household items, carefully arranged to create a scene.
Artists use still life to experiment with composition, light, and
texture. It allows for detailed observation of everyday things.
-Cézanne's work focuses on carefully arranged fruit,
Artist: Paul Cézanne
highlighting color, form, and texture. Artwork: Still Life with Apples
 3. Animals Animals have long been a popular subject in art,
symbolizing strength, beauty, or human qualities. Artists
may portray them in their natural habitats or as part of
symbolic or mythical scenes. Animal art can range from
realistic depictions to more imaginative or stylized forms.
• -This highly detailed painting shows Dürer's skill in
capturing the lifelike features of a hare.

4. Figures
Artist: Albrecht Dürer
Artwork: Young Hare

Figure art focuses on the human body, often capturing poses,

movements, or expressions. It can be a portrait or a full-body
depiction, representing people as they are or idealized versions. Artists
use figures to explore human emotions, identity, or social roles.
-This famous portrait focuses on the human figure, showcasing
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
expressions and the mystery behind the subject. Artwork: Mona Lisa
 5. Nature Nature as a subject includes all elements of the natural
world, like trees, plants, mountains, and the sky. Artists
often use nature to explore themes of beauty, life cycles,
or human connection to the earth. It is a source of endless
inspiration for both realistic and abstract work.
• -Van Gogh's nature paintings often depicted the countryside,
with expressive brushstrokes capturing the beauty and

6. landscape
Artist: Vincent van Gogh intensity of the natural world.
Artwork: Wheatfield with Crows

Landscape art shows scenes of the natural environment, including

mountains, forests, fields, or lakes. Artists aim to capture the
beauty, vastness, or mood of outdoor spaces. These works can be
peaceful, dramatic, or symbolic, depending on how the landscape is
portrayed.
-Monet's landscape focuses on the harbor of Le Havre, using light
Artist: Claude Monet
and color to create an impressionistic view of nature. Artwork: Impression, Sunrise
 7. Seascape Seascape art focuses on the ocean, beaches, or other
bodies of water. It captures the movement and power of
water, often showing waves, ships, or coastal life. Artists
like JMW Turner were known for depicting the dynamic
energy of the sea.
• - This painting shows a famous British warship being tugged
to its final berth, capturing the contrast between the sea and
sky.
8. Cityscape
Artist: Claude Monet
Artwork: Impression, Sunrise

Cityscape art depicts urban environments, showing buildings,

streets, and the hustle of city life. Artists use this subject to highlight
the structure and atmosphere of cities, from modern skyscrapers to
historical streets. It reflects both the beauty and complexity of
urban areas.
- Hopper's painting depicts an urban diner at night, emphasizing
Artist: Edward Hopper
the isolation of city life through his cityscape. Artwork: Nighthawks
 9.Mythology Mythology in art draws on stories from ancient cultures, like
Greek or Roman myths, involving gods, heroes, and epic events.
These subjects allow artists to explore themes of power,
morality, and human nature. Mythological art often contains
symbolism and dramatic narratives.
• This famous painting illustrates the myth of Venus, the
Roman goddess of love, emerging from the sea.
Artist: Sandro Botticelli
Artwork: The Birth of Venus

10. Myth
A myth is a story that explains the origins of the world, natural
phenomena, or human behavior, often featuring supernatural beings. In
art, myths are visualized to express timeless truths or cultural beliefs.
Artists use myths to explore the deep meanings behind these ancient
stories.
This artwork portrays the tragic myth of Phaeton, who lost Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
Artwork: The Fall of Phaeton
control of the sun chariot, resulting in chaos.
 11. Dreams Dreams as a subject allow artists to portray the surreal and
imaginative aspects of the mind. Artists often create dreamlike
scenes that blur the line between reality and fantasy. These
works can be abstract or symbolic, showing the inner thoughts
or emotions of the artist.
• This surrealist painting depicts melting clocks in a dreamlike
landscape, symbolizing the fluidity of time.
Artist: Salvador Dalí
Artwork: The Persistence of Memory
12. Fantasies
Fantasy art explores imaginary worlds and creatures, often
with magical or supernatural elements. This subject allows for
limitless creativity, as artists invent new realities beyond the
constraints of everyday life. Fantasy art can be whimsical,
dark, or adventurous, depending on the artist's vision.

Bosch's triptych is filled with fantastical creatures

Artist: Hieronymus Bosch
and scenes that mix reality with imagination. Artwork: The Garden of Earthly Delights
 CONTENT IN ART
-Content refers
to the meaning or
message conveyed by the artwork. There are
several levels of meaning in art:

1. Factual Meaning
2. Conventional Meaning
3. Subjective Meaning
1. Factual Meaning: The basic, identifiable meaning that
comes from recognizing the subject and its context within
the artwork.
2. Conventional Meaning: This refers to commonly
accepted interpretations of symbols, motifs, and
elements that have been established through time.
3. Subjective Meaning: Personal interpretations that vary
depending on the viewer’s experiences, knowledge, and
values. Since art can evoke different emotions and
thoughts, its meaning is often not singular.
Example of Content Analysis (Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam”)
Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam”, a part of the Sistine Chapel fresco, can be
analyzed on different levels:
Subject: The creation of man, as told in the biblical story of Genesis.
Factual Meaning: God is depicted giving life to Adam.
Conventional Meaning: Man is created in the image of God, as shown by their
similar postures.
Subjective Meaning: Some
interpret the painting as
symbolizing the
endowment of intellect to
humanity, with the shape
behind God resembling a
human brain.
 Conclusion in Understanding Subject and
Content in Art
In discussing and appreciating art, it’s important to differentiate
between “subject” and “content”. The subject is what you can
immediately recognize in the artwork—the main object or figure. The
content, on the other hand, is the deeper meaning that the artist
communicates, which involves interpreting not just the subject but
the entire composition, the techniques used, and the context.
By understanding these key concepts, your presentation will provide
a clear explanation of how to differentiate “subject” and “content”,
how these elements work together in art, and how they are crucial for
interpreting and appreciating various works of art.
Thank you for
listening!
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