Art Genres

Vanitas – Definition, Artwork and History of the Vanitas Genre

What is Vanitas? In Western art, vanitas painting is a genre of still life artwork that is intended to remind the viewer of the transience of life and the worthlessness of earthly pleasures. Vanitas paintings remind viewers of their own mortality by including objects symbolic of both life and death, such as skulls, lit and …

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Still Life Art Genre: Definition, Artwork, and History

What is Still Life? A still life is an artwork that typically depicts inanimate subject matter. Still life painting is one of the principal genres in Western art. Typically commonplace objects that are depicted in still life art include plants and flowers, food, books, and many other objects that communicate the intended message behind the …

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Abstract Art: Artwork and History of the Visual Art Genre

What is Abstract Art? Abstract art, also known as non-figurative, non-representational, or non-objective art, is art that uses line, shape, form, texture, color, patterns and gestural mark-making to convey meaning. Abstract art does not attempt to accurately depict visual reality and achieves its conceptual effect by simplifying its subject matter beyond recognition. Some abstract art …

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