Subjects and symbols
What does the picture show – and what does it mean? Genres and iconography help you read it.
From the 17th century the art academies ranked subjects. At the top stood history painting, with biblical, mythological and historical scenes. Next came portraiture, genre painting (everyday life), landscape and, at the bottom, still life. The ranking governed prizes, formats and training well into the 19th century.
Iconography is the study of the symbols in images. Saints are recognised by their attributes – Peter by his keys, Catherine by her wheel. In Dutch still lifes, skulls, snuffed-out candles and wilting flowers are reminders of the transience of life: vanitas.