1.
History and Legend – this art depicts
SUBJECT AND
CONTENT OF
ARTS
BSA 1A: GROUP 3
Subject
o It is the main focus in the artwork;
the most recognizable thing in the entire
work of art, regardless of its size.
Types of Subject
 Representational
o It mostly represents objective
images of people or objects and also
visualizes on as a resemblance to the
real world.
 Non-representational
o It does not depend on reality and the
subject is difficult to recognize.
Sources of Subject in Arts
 Primary Sources
o First-hand evidence refers to things
like personal letters, diaries, records, or
other documents that were made during
the time being studied.
 Secondary Sources
o In the strictest sense, secondary
sources refer to documents that discuss
or reference primary sources, which are
the original records or firsthand
accounts of historical events.
Main Sources of Subject in Arts
1. Nature
2. History
3. Greek and Roman Mythology
4. Judeo-Christian Tradition
5. Sacred Oriental Texts
6. Other works of art
Kinds of Subject
historical events and legendary
stories, inviting viewers to explore
the visual narrative.
2. Still life - arranging inanimate objects
like flowers and fruits and focuses
on specific compositions, skillfully
emphasizing form and color.
3. Animals – this art serves both as a
celebration of wildlife and symbolic
representations in different cultures.
4. Figures - figure-focused art brings
the human form to the forefront,
offering diverse perspectives on the
complexities of existence.
5. Landscape - Emphasizing the
beauty of the outdoors
6. Seascape - Seascapes often aim to
capture the sense of movement and
energy of the ocean
7. Cityscape - this art genre explores
city skylines and architecture,
reflecting the vibrancy and structures
of metropolitan areas.
8. Dreams and fantasies - Drawing
inspiration from dreams, mythology,
and fantastical concepts
9. Everyday life - Providing glimpses
into common experiences
10. Religion – this art provides a form of
worship and reflection for diverse
audiences.
Content - what the artist wants to express
or convey through their work.
Levels of Meanings
 Factual - involves the initial
observation and recognition of
distinct elements within the artwork.
This includes identifying prominent
features such as colors, shapes,
lines, and forms.
 Iconography - It's a visual language
artists use to communicate ideas,
stories, or cultural beliefs.
 Subjective - It pertains to the variety
of meanings that can arise when a
work of art is read.
 Conventional - Pertains to the
acknowledged interpretation of an
artwork