What does it mean when we refer to works of art being "representational"? *They resemble things in the real world
Action Painting
In the Arnolfini Wedding Portrait, - the dog represents fidelity
- the touching of hands represents an agreement to wed
- the convex mirror represents a distorted reflection from the back with the artist in the background. It is surrounded by smaller images of the passion of Christ.
Many artists reference early art in their form.
Art can be read on many levels. Knowing the back story helps to understand the content and symbolism.