Theories of Visual Culture

M. Jahanzaib Khalid
1915147
BsMs-6B
Reflection

The article examines the painting “Las Meninas” in order to understand the relevance of the picture
theory of representation. The writer argued that representation is not just what we see in the picture
but it is more than that. To support his claim, the writer used the example of a painting, Las Meninas, of
Velasquez. He pointed out that how interpretation of the painting comes from few elements which are
themselves matter of dispute. In order to prove the point, the writer used the theories and analysis of
Searle and Focault and offered a critical analysis on his views on the painting and its actual
representation. The writer criticizes the view of Focault that representation is does not need picture
theory to be analyzed. The writer believes that the structure of the painting, the positions of the
subjects and objects in the painting are a representation tool itself. The writer then discusses the
analysis of Snyder and Cohen regarding the perspectival structure of the painting, and their analysis
stated that the painting is misleading, ambiguous and indeterminate. The writer then breaks down the
composition and the elements of the painting to claim that representation is not just based on picture
theory but it involves many structures and elements which can give it a unique perspective.