Looking Beyond the Surface

To truly understand a work of art, we must look at its context—who made it, why, and for whom.

Contextual Clues

• Historical Events: How do wars, revolutions, or discoveries influence art?
• Patronage: Who funded the artwork, and what message did they want to send?
• Symbolism: What hidden meanings or stories are tucked into the imagery?

Making Connections

Interpreting context helps us see how art reflects the hopes, fears, and beliefs of its time. It also helps us spot connections between art and other subjects, like history, politics, and religion.