LECTURE NOTES:

*Sources of Subject of Art

*Primary Sources

-These sources provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence concerning a topic under investigation. They are created by
witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. Often these sources are created at the time
when the events or conditions are occurring, but primary sources can also include autobiographies, memoirs, and oral histories
recorded later. They are characterized by their content, regardless of whether they are available in original format, in
microfilm/microfiche, in digital format, or in published format.

Other sources of primary sources:

o artwork o film of the artist
o interviews o diaries
o speeches o letters
o photographs o history
o mythology o Christian tradition
o Sacred oriental text

Where to find the primary sources:

o archives o catalogues
o art galleries o Sketch books
o exhibits o art museums
o notebooks o art and cultural centers

Other sources of art subjects are:

Nature – animals, people, landscapes. These three are the most common inspiration and subject matter of art.
History – events taking place in the world. The dress, the houses, the manner of living, the thoughts of a period are necessarily
reflected in the artwork.
Greek and Roman Mythology – gods and goddesses. Centers on deities and heroes.
The Christian tradition – religion and art, the Bible, the Apocrypha, the rituals of the church.
Oriental Sacred Texts – Countries of the Orient (China, Japan, and Korea) and India have produced sacred texts that inspired
various kinds of art.

*Secondary Sources

-These sources interpret and analyze primary sources. They are often written significantly after events by parties not directly
involved by who have special expertise, they may provide historical context or critical perspectives. Secondary sources include
pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources. Newspaper and journal may fall in both primary and secondary sources
depending on the subject.