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What is subject matter in art?

1 Answer
Subject matter in art is what a work depicts or portrays. In some pieces, the subject matter is objective. For example, an outdoor environment is the subject of a landscape painting, while the sitter is the subject of a portrait. When analyzing abstract art, subject matter becomes more subjective, as interpretations of what a work shows or means are often left to the viewer. Explore a diverse assortment of fine art on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024