This document provides an introduction to seeing and describing art by defining key terms like form, subject matter, content, representational vs. abstract styles. It also presents examples to illustrate these concepts, such as Giotto's Lamentation fresco showing representational art, and Mark Rothko's abstract painting demonstrating nonobjective art. The document aims to equip viewers with a basic vocabulary and framework for analyzing and discussing visual works of art.

1. SEEING AND DESCRIBING ART
An Introduction

2. The
Lamentation
Giotto
Arena Chapel.
(1305-1306)

3. Arena Chapel,
Padua

7. The
Lamentation of
the Dead Christ
Andrea
Mantegna
(c. 1480)

8. FORM
SUBJECT MATTER
CONTENT

9. FORM - the overall structure
of a work
SUBJECT MATTER - what is
depicted
CONTENT - what the artwork
means

11. REPRESENTATIONAL
ABSTRACT
NONOBJECTIVE

12. The Kiss, Auguste Rodin (1882) The Kiss, Constantin Brancusi (1916)

13. Panel from
St. Francis Altarpiece
Bonaventura Berlinghieri
1235
Tempera on wood
60” x 42”

14. Nativity,
window in
Chartres
Cathedral
(Notre Dames),
France

15. No. 61 Rust and Blue, Mark Rothko (1953)

16. Tukutuku panels, Maori people, New Zealand

17. Naturalistic Abstract
Representational or Nonrepresentational

18. FORMAL ELEMENTS