Motif (visual arts)
In the visual arts, the term motif denotes the accusation , the characteristic or thematically formative component of a work of art .
In painting and graphics , the artist depicts the motif (the main motif if there is more than one formative content) predominantly in the center of the picture, whereas in arts and crafts it is mostly in the most conspicuous place.
In sculpture , the motif can encompass the entire work of art (e.g. a figure or bust), but in architecture it can also only cover a small part of the building.
Motifs in painting
Typical motifs in painting include
- Religious art themes (e.g. Bible scenes , crucifixion , resurrection , Mary ), saints, last things
- Mythology (e.g. creation of Venus, Orpheus), Trojan War
- the portrait (or the depicted emotion in facial expression or posture),
- Groups of people in conversation, at the table, etc.
- Celebrations , music and dance
- Love scenes and the act ,
- Crafts and professional situations
- Landscape motifs (water, mountains, beach ...)
- Hiking motifs , street scenes
- Forces of nature (storm, ocean waves, rocky gorges, etc.)
- Plants, floral and flower motifs
- Animals, hunting
- as well as the still life .
The variety and frequency of the motifs are very time-related and also depend on the style , which can be seen particularly clearly in Biedermeier and Impressionism . (Water, mountains, beach) and forces of nature.
In commissioned art there are u. a. Aspects of advertising in addition.
historical development
The first works of art in human history were predominantly motivated by religion or cult, while representation and commissioned art also gained in importance from early antiquity . The main clients were royal courts , large institutions, temple services and, from the 3rd century onwards, the church . From the Middle Ages on , orders from the nobility , the upper bourgeoisie and the founding of monasteries became more important.
The specific motifs (see above) were based on the order, but were also committed to the zeitgeist , while the details of the visual language mostly corresponded to the prevailing style . If they did not, it was especially in times of stricter conventions also taboos and scandals.
While the peculiarities of image structure and contrasts, colors, sculptural forms, etc. were largely shaped by the artists , in the course of art history there were also numerous technical influences on the formation of motifs. They include u. a. the discovery of perspective and the invention of letterpress printing , the development of a wide variety of paints and formative materials . Formative social influences, however, were art criticism , development of fine arts (from about the late 18th century) and the L'art pour l'art , fashion waves of exoticism (z. B. in the ages of the discoveries or the Turkish wars ) and The advent of private travel .
Today, art is also influenced by the global art market , in the West and in some emerging countries in part also by private foundations and public grants. Discussions about contemporary art terms and motifs take place in art criticism, art theory and at art universities.
See also
Individual evidence
- ↑ See also: Category: Fabrics and Motifs (Bible)
- ↑ See also: Category: Christian Art (Maria)