Subject and Content

In viewing art, there are clues that mediate between the

artwork and the viewer, allowing the viewer to more
easily comprehend what he is seeing.
These clues are the basic components of a work of art:
• SUBJECT – the visual focus of the image that may be
extracted from examining the artwork; the “what”
• CONTENT – the meaning that is communicated by the
artist or the artwork; the “why”
• FORM – the development and configuration of the
artwork – how the elements and the medium or
material are put together; the “how”
In the science, experimentation is the key to proving a
hypothesis or a larger theory.

In the arts, there are observable qualities that the

artwork holds that will point to its subject, and sometimes
even to its content.

In order to flesh out what the subject of the artwork is, it

is important to first look at the constituent figures that are
perceivable on the surface of the canvas or the
sculpture, and the manner in which the artist chose to
depict those figures.
 REPRESENTATIONAL ART
These types of art have subjects that refer to or events
occurring in the real world.

Also termed figurative art because the figures depicted

are easy to make out and decipher.
Despite not knowing who Mona Lisa is, it is clear that
the painting is of a woman that is realistically-
proportioned.

Only the upper torso is shown, a beguiling and

mysterious smile is flashed, and the background is a
landscape.
 NON-REPRESENTATIONAL ART
Art forms that do not make a reference to the real world,
whether it is a person place, thing, or even a particular
event.
It is stripped down to visual elements, such as shapes,
lines, and colors that are employed to translate a
particular feeling, emotion, and even concept.
 Nonrepresentational art is the artists personal
expression of their perspective of certain idea or things
such as feelings or even their personal opinions on
specific viewpoints, but generally doesn’t contain any
specific defined figures or things.
Abstract art is art illustrated by an artist that contains
recognizable image in a symbolic way such as odd
version of people or different styles of trees or figures.
 The difference between abstract and
nonrepresentational art is that abstract art generally
projects a story of some sort or draws an idea with
specific objects, people, or things within the composition.
Compared to nonrepresentational art it expresses
opinions or feelings by using color pattern and
techniques designed for personal expression.
Is non-representational art the same with abstract art?
There are no clear-cut divide, rather, they exist in a
spectrum.

Abstract
 Is non-representational art the same with abstract art?
There are no clear-cut divide, rather, they exist in a
spectrum.

Abstract
Non-representational
Art
 Is non-representational art the same with abstract art?
There are no clear-cut divide, rather, they exist in a
spectrum.

Abstract
Non-representational Representational
Art Art
For non-representational art, a higher, level of
perceptiveness and insight might be required to fully
grasped the feeling, emotion, or concept behind the
work.

For representational art, it is easier to infer the subject

matter because from the figures depicted in the artwork,
there is already a suggestion as to its implication.
 SOURCES OF SUBJECT

Nature
History
Greek and Roman mythology
Judeo-Chistian Tradition
Other works of art
 NATURE

Nature serves as the primary inspiration and subject

matter for artists, who draw upon landscapes, flora,
fauna, and natural phenomena to convey themes,
emotions, and aesthetic experiences in their work. This
approach celebrates the beauty and complexity of the
natural world while exploring human connections with
and interpretations of nature.
 HISTORY

History serves as a wellspring of inspiration for artists,

who draw upon past events, figures, and periods to
create meaningful artworks. By exploring historical
themes, artists offer new perspectives and insights into
the human experience, connecting the past with the
present through their creative expressions.
 "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso. Created in response to the
bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War,
the painting is a powerful representation of the horrors of war
and the suffering experienced by civilians.
 Greek and Roman mythology
Greek and Roman mythology is a major source of
inspiration in art, influencing countless artists throughout
history. These myths provide a wealth of stories,
characters, and themes for artists to explore and
interpret in various mediums, from sculptures to
paintings. The enduring appeal of these myths lies in
their timeless narratives and archetypal figures, offering
endless opportunities for creative expression.
"The Birth of Venus" by Sandro
Botticelli, painted in the mid-
1480s
This masterpiece depicts the
goddess Venus, known in Roman
mythology as the equivalent of the
Greek goddess Aphrodite,
emerging from the sea as a fully
grown woman.
 Judeo-Chistian Tradition

The Judeo-Christian tradition is a key source of subject

matter in art, offering themes and stories from the Bible
that inspire artists to explore spirituality, morality, and
human existence. It provides rich material for artistic
expression and remains a cornerstone of Western
artistic heritage.
 "The Creation of Adam”
By Michelangelo
depicts the Biblical creation
narrative from the Book of
Genesis, where God gives
life to Adam, the first man,
by reaching out and
touching his finger.
KINDS OF SUBJECT

History Cityscape
Animals Mythology
Nature Dream
Landscape Fantasies
Seascape
The meaning or message that is expressed or
communicated by the artwork.

In understanding the content of art, it is important to note

that there are various levels of meaning:
FACTUAL MEANING
The most rudimentary level of meaning for it may be
extracted from the identifiable or recognizable forms in
the artwork and understanding how these elements
relate to one another.
CONVENTIONAL MEANING
Pertaining to the acknowledged interpretation of the
artwork using motifs, signs, and symbols and other
cyphers as basses of its meaning.
 These conventions are established through time,
strengthened by recurrent use and wide acceptance by
its viewers or audience and scholars who study them.

SUBJECTIVE MEANING
When subjectivities are consulted, a variety of
meanings may arise when a particular work of art is
read.
 These meanings stem from the viewer’s or
audience’s circumstances that come into play when
engaging with art:
▪ what we know;
▪ what we learned;
▪ what we experienced; and
▪ what values we stand for.
Meaning may not be singular, rather, multiple and
varied.
ANALYSIS
✓ SUBJECT: Biblical Art
✓ FACTUAL MEANING: Creation Story (creation of
man)
✓ CONVENTIONAL MEANING: man was created in the
image and likeness of God
✓ SUBJECTIVE MEANING: endowment of intellect to
man from God