Kinds and Sources of Subject

Kinds and Sources of Subject

This lecture discusses the different kinds and sources of subject in art

University
Central Mindanao University

Course
Art Appreciation (GEC 16)

Academic year: 2020/2021

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 [Template] Module 3
KINDS AND SOURCES OF SUBJECT
13. Appropriation
Other Two-Dimensional Media

Art App (Performance)-6-8

The subject of art is the matter to be described or as we have discussed in the previous lesson, it is
the matter to be represented by the artist. The subject in art is the essence of the piece. It may be what is
Art Appin(Performance)-9-10
depicted the work of art or what the artist may be trying to convey to the world.

ArtEverything in the environment can

App (Performance)-1-2 be a source of a subject – what the artist sees, feel, and hear can
be used as one's source of subject. In general, the kinds and sources of a subject can be categorized into
seven:

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1. text
Still life is groups of inanimate objects arranged in an indoor setting such as flower and fruit
arrangements, food, pots and pans, and music instruments.

According to MacArdle (2020), the themes for still life can range from personal, cultural, religious,

KINDS AND SOURCES OF SUBJECT

philosophical, or existential. Historically, still life paintings were deeply imbued with religious and
mythological meaning. But on more recent practices on still life, the themes can be based on
material qualities such as color, shape, and texture.
The subject of art is the matter to be described or as we have discussed in the
Below is a painting by Paul Cezanne entitled Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier (1893). Paul Cezanne is
previous lesson, it is the matter to be represented by the artist. The subject in
considered to be one of the masters in still life painting. This magnificent painting has the grave air
artis the essence of the
of a masterpiece piece
of the museumsIt as
ma be hattoisbedepicted
it is considered in the
the most expensive ork
still life ofsold
ever artator
an auction (PaulCezanne.org, 2020).

Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier by Paul Cezanne (1893)

2. Landscapes, Cityscapes, and Seascapes are artworks whose primary focus is the natural
scenery such as the mountains, valleys, rivers, and skyscrapers.

3. Animals have been represented by artists from almost every age and place. It can also be said
that the earliest known paintings are representations of animals on the walls and caves.
Below is an abstract painting of a Sarimanok by Judelyn Mae Villarta. The Sarimanok is a mythical
bird from Maranao Mythology.
4. A portrait is a realistic likeness of a person whether in sculpture, painting, drawing, or print. It
need not be photographic in likeness but is a selective process of highlighting and de-emphasizing
certain features. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is probably the world's famous painting is a
portrait of Lisa Gherardini. It was painted sometime between 1503 and 1519.

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

5. Everyday Life refers to the artist’s observation of people going about their usual ways and
performing their usual tasks and recording them in paintings. Fernando Amorsolo’s “Rice Planting”
(1922) was the favorite of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and was featured on posters and
tourist brochures (info@philippineartgallery.com, 2020). Fernando Amorsolo was the Philippines'
first National Artist in Painting (1972).

Rice Planting by Fernando Amorsolo (1972)

6. History paintings are those with a high-minded or heroic narrative as illustrated by exemplary
deeds of its figures. History painting was originally dominated by religious paintings but the
category, in time, expanded to include themes from mythology, literature, or history. Thus history
paintings are further categorized as religious history paintings, mythological history
paintings, allegorical history paintings, literary history paintings, and historical history
paintings (visual-arts-cork.com, 2020).
The Spoliarium (1884) by Juan Luna is the most valuable oil-on-canvas painted by the Filipino artist.
The painting as seen below features a glimpse of Roman history centered on the carnage brought
by gladiatorial matches. The word spoliarium is a Latin word referring to the basement of the
Roman Colosseum where the fallen and dying gladiators are dumped.
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 Spoliarium (1884) by Juan Luna

7. Figurative art features the human figure. The form of the body- its structure and flexibility, nude
or clothed – is the chief subject of artists aiming for figurative art. Artists try to capture the grace
and ideal proportions in paintings or sculptures. Below is Michelangelo’s David and is probably the
most famous statue in the world. It was created between 1501 to 1504 and with a height of 14.0
feet depicts the Biblical hero David.

David by Michelangelo