content

In art theory, the meaning of a work of art. The content of an artwork is not the same as its subject, such as a still life or landscape. Content includes such factors as the social or historical context of a piece, its subject and form, techniques used, and the message that the artist is trying to convey to the viewer. Features to be considered when trying to interpret the content may not always be those that can be seen. The content of a portrait, for instance, may be more than a simple representation of a sitter's appearance; it could be an acknowledgement of the sitter's importance in society, or express an emotion.