Themes of Art

There are several ways to approach the study of art. While it is useful to understand how and why works of art differ, it is also helpful to see how much they are alike, even when thousands of miles and years seperate them. There are a few themes that can be identified in these two major works of art. In the painting "Kindred Spirits" we find that Durand had used two major themes within the illustration. One theme noticed is the theme of history. In 1849 the painting was created, which depicted the great American artist Thomas Cole and American poet William Cullen. These two men are very well known people throughout our history and in order to show importance or status doring the 1800's paintings or drawings of these people were done. Theirfore history is depicted in the painting. We also find the theme of nature, especially, in the painting. Not only through the men in the picture, but by the forest in which the are being engulfed. During the 18th and 19th century many painters set out to record the American landscape. Nature has been more than a subject for art; it has also served as a material for art.

"Seated Old Man" also holds good examples of themes within the drawing. Rembrandt uses the themes looking outward and history. Looking Outward is notifying works of art among the earliest images of daily life. The man in the picture shows an outward look on life and people. History can also be related to in this picture just like "Kindred Spirits." In my opinion if you look at the material such as the canvas in which the drawing is on you can tell that it is an old sheet by looking at the rugged background. Also the man in the picture shows history, though it is not told who the man is, by the clothing he wears it shows that this is historic. These are some of the themes included in the two works of art.