The Daily Painting: The Symbol

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Symbol

(click to enlarge)

Sir Frank Dicksee
(English, 1853-1928)
The Symbol, 1881
Oil on canvas

The full title is continued "Is it Nothing to You, All Ye That Pass By?" That, and taking a closer look, make the painting's story plain.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Questions to ask about a painting

What is the subject of the painting? Does the title add to your understanding of the painting?

What's the main color scheme? Why do you think the artist chose these colors? How do they make you feel?

Where do you look first? What do your eyes follow around the painting? What seems most important in this painting?

Is the painting organized, or jumbled? Chaotic or peaceful?

Consider what it all might mean: What does the painting tell you? What is the artist trying to say about the subject matter? What feeling does the painting evoke? How did the painter achieve this effect?