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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

Lesson 4: Subject and Content

LESSON LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this lesson, you are expected to:
1. differentiate representational art and non-representational art;
2. discuss the difference between an artwork’s subject and its content;
3. identify the subject matter and content of specific examples of art; and
4. enumerate the sources of the subjects of art.

PRE-ASSESSMENT
Instructions: Read, analyze and answer each of the questions below by choosing the letter of
the most appropriate answer.

1. Refers to the visual focus or the image that may be extracted from examining the
artwork.
a. subject
b. content
c. form
d. artist

2. The following are the different meaning of art, except:

a. subjective
b. factual
c. conventional
d. emotional

3. Types of subject of art includes:

a. representational
b. non-representational
c. A & B
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

d. A only

4. The meaning of art may depend from a person’s perspective or background

a. Subjective
b. factual
c. no meaning
d. conventional

5. Type of subject that uses things, places, person.

a. representational
b. non-representational
c. A & B
d. none of the above

6. The subject of the art does not use the real world as its reference
a. representational
b. non-representational
c. A&B
d. none of the above

7. Most basic level of meaning for it may be extracted from the identifiable or recognizable
forms in the artwork physical
a. subjective
b. factual
c. conventional
d. all of the above

8. Abstract uses what type of subject?

a. representational
b. non-representational
c. A & B
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

d. none of the above

9. Sources and kinds of subject may come from the following

a. nature
b. important events
c. important figures
d. all of the above

10. The development and configuration of the artwork—how the elements and the medium
or material are put together plays
a. subject
b. content
c. form
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

LESSON MAP

ART

SUBJECT CONTENT

Representational Art Factual

Non-representational Conventional
Art

Subjective

(This lesson map shows that art is composed of subject and content. Subject has two types; the
representational and non-representational art while content has different meanings namely;
factual, conventional and subjective)
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

CORE CONTENTS

ENGAGE
Think-Pair-and-Share
1. Look at the painting below by artist David Bailley entitled “Selbstbildnis mit
Vanitassymbolen” (Self-Portrait with Vanitas Symbols). List down everything that you see
within the four corners of the work. List as many items as you can in 3 minutes. Use the
space on the next page for your answer.

2. With your classmate, discuss and compare the items you listed.

3. Based on your answers, write an assumption about what the painting means in the
space provided
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

EXPLORE
Subject and Concept

Subject – refers to the visual focus or the image that may be extracted from examining the
artwork.

➢ This is seen as the “what”, what is readily seen and relates to the artwork, its inspiration,
and th many kinds of translation. What is made obvious, what is visible.

Content – is the meaning or the message that is expressed or communicated by the artist or the
artwork.

➢ The “why”, why was the artwork created in the first place?

Form – is the development and configuration of the artwork—how the elements and the medium
or material are put together. The “how”

Types of Subject

Representational Art – These types of art

have subjects that refer to objects or events
occurring in the real world. Often, it is also
termed figurative art, because as the name
suggests, the figures depicted are easy to
make out and interpret. Example of this art
is the painting of Mona Lisa by Leonardo da
Vinci.
➢ These types of art are often favored
because they are easier to recognize.
Viewers find a greater degree of comfort
when what they see registers something
familiar.
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

Non-representational art-
does not make a reference to the real
world, whether it 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.
Example is the works of Jackson
Pollock, who is known for his “action
paintings”, are often subjected to this
remarks.

Sources and Kinds of Subjects

For non-representational art, a higher level of perceptiveness and insight might be

required to fully grasp the feeling, emotion, or concept behind the work. It is perhaps easier to
infer where the subject matter comes from if the artwork is an example of representational art.
From the figure(s) depicted in the artwork, there is already a suggestion as to its inspiration.

However, in discussing the sources and kinds of subject in artworks, it is important to note
that these two are often intricately related. Often, even singular source of inspiration can produce
multiple translations. A good starting point is of course, nature.

Other sources of subjects are historically significant events particularly in the affairs of
humanity are abundant reference for art production. History, as a resource for artists in search of
objects, brings into consideration events that are familiar and sometimes even common or shared
in world context: the establishments of nations and states (discovery, conquests, and
colonization), and the resulting ideologies that they breed (democracy, liberty, freedom, and
rights). These works serve as documentary and commemorative artworks that illustrate subjects
such as important leaders and figures; events as they were recorded to have happened; and
representations of ideologies or values.

Content in Art
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

To take on the challenge of understanding the content of art, it must be reiterated that
there are various levels of meaning.

1. Factual meaning- pertains to the most basic 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.
2. Conventional meaning- acknowledged interpretation of the artwork using motifs, signs,
symbols and other secret message as bases of its meaning. These conventions are
established thru time, strengthened by recurrent use and wide acceptance by its viewers
or audience and scholars who study them.
3. Subjective meaning of the art- when a painting communicates multiple meanings to its
many viewers.

❖ Knowing more about the context of its creation- from the artist inspiration, reference or
source, will prove useful in understanding the meaning of artwork. However, one must not
forget that each viewer is armed with his or her experience, background and education.
❖ The majority of the public are consumers and not producers of art, and so ensuring the
readiness of the public to not only successfully engage with the art, but meaningfully do
so, is the primary function of art appreciation and education.

EXPLAIN
Lock-Key Art
Instructions: Using David Bailley’s painting “Selbstbildnis mit Vanitassymbolen” (Self-Portrait
with Vanitas Symbols) with the help of some relevant information from goggle answer the
following questions:

1. What is the subject of his painting?

______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

2. What is the meaning the artwork is trying to communicate with the viewers?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation

3. Did your assumption of the meaning of the painting match the artist’s message? What
could probably is/are the reason/s that your interpretation is different from that of the
artist?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

TOPIC SUMMARY

In this lesson, you have learned:

✓ Art is composed of its subject; the visual focus or what is readily seen and relates to the
artwork. Content on the other hand, is the meaning or the message that is expressed or
communicated by the artist or the artwork.
✓ Subject types are either representational, which uses the real world as its reference, while
non-representational art does not make a reference to the real world, whether it a person,
place, thing, or even a particular event. It is stripped down to visual elements such as
shapes, lines, and colors.
✓ The content or the meaning of the art could be factual, conventional and subjective.

REFERENCES

Books:

• Collingwood, R.G. (1938). The Principles of Art. Worcestershire: Read Books Ltd.
• Dudley, L. Faricy, A., and McGraw-Hill Book Company. (1960). The Humanities. New
York: McGraw-Hill.
• Caslib, B.N.,Jr., Garing, D., and Casaul, J.A. Art Appreciation. Manila, Philippines.
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Module 1 – Introduction to Art Appreciation