how do we know what a painting means?

Answer 1

we don't know for sure.

one theory is the author's intent . . .

another theory is the "reader's" response

another theory is that meaning resides in the symbols

or that meaning is socially constructed and a product of the time

Answer 2

It depends on the picture. Some paintings tell stories, so if you know the story, the picture has a deeper meaning for you.
In the same way sometimes is very important to know the painter's background or historical context, so you can understand better the image and its meaning.
But many paintings in modern art don't want to say nothing, just colours and sensations, feelings or mood, or just NOTHING.
A picture is just a picture. Maybe you like it or not but the intention of the painter was the experience of colour and composition.

Answer 3

A painting can be interpreted however you want. Use your imagination and that will help you decide what it means. There's no right or wrong answer, what does it mean to YOU? The other day I saw a painting of a girl's face clouded by a castle shaped like a tea pot around her face. Here's what it meant to me: The girl seemed like she lived a happy life. As if her life was perfect and she was treated like a princess (castle) but in her heart, she was not happy. She felt like she was a slave, and trapped in her own home (that's what the pot represented to me.) Have fun with it, be creative and be patient. Meditate on it, don't just decide within seconds.

Answer 4

We can only assume what a painting means through sensible interpretation. An Art Historian will have excellent knowledge about the background and circumstances of the creation of a work and though careful viewing of the work, back up from primary and excellent secondary sources, will be able to theorise on a work's meaning.

Answer 5

Not all paintings, especially modern ones, are intended to have a meaning. They are what they are...paint and other materials with which a viewer reacts, each according to their own interpretation, emotion or experience. As an artist who paints realistically and abstractly, I can tell you very few of my works have "meaning" implied or intended. They are what they are: representations, interpretations, expressions, and reactions to the markings. When an artist imbues a piece with meaning, he needs to be very certain that he is communicating effectively, using visual cues universally understood. Else, he risks NOT communicating and thereby failing in his work. The only way to be sure is to accompany a work with a statement...a narrative that explains intent and content.

Answer 6

To me true art is each person's piece of art meaning YOUR POINT OF VIEW. It grows with you, as you grow and then go back and look at the same piece of art you have possibly a different interpretation. Like a good book, it grows with you. As you read it over and over you seem to see different, new insights.

But then there is art such as Romeo and Juliet which teaches a great lesson in life. It does include two young people which is appropriate for the lesson. Now how you associate that with your life or your perspective of life is to me also art.

To me art reminds me that we are human, not just the 9-5 workers in a technological society.

Answer 7

A painting is something personal. Everybody gives his own interpretation. It depends also of the experience someone has in life.

Answer 8

Simple. Ask the artist. Or...

I went on a guided tour of the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida and learned about many things that each of his paintings represent.

Did you know that all of his grand masterpieces have an image of his wife in them?

Answer 9

Look see observe some more, study the painter (history upbringing social status beliefs and actions).In other words Information
Take care!

Answer 10

It means different things to different people."Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".