Commissioned art is a term used in the art world to describe a work of art that has been specially created at the request of a patron or buyer. The spelling of the word "commissioned" is /kəˈmɪʃənd/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. It is written with two m's and two s's, which can be easily remembered as "MMSS" by breaking down the word into syllables. Commissioned art is often seen in public places, corporate offices, or private collections, and can range from paintings to sculptures, murals, and installations.
Commissioned art refers to artworks that are specifically created for a particular individual, group, organization, or institution, in accordance with their requirements and preferences. It involves the process of hiring an artist to produce a piece of art that is personalized and tailored to the client's specific needs or desires. Commissioned art can encompass various forms of artistic expression, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, and even performance art.
The primary characteristic of commissioned art is its purposeful creation, serving as a response to a client's commission or request. Unlike art that is created without a specific direction or objective, commissioned art is intended to fulfill a particular purpose, often serving as a decorative element, expressing a concept or idea, commemorating an event, or representing an individual or group's identity.
The process of creating commissioned art involves collaboration between the artist and the client. The artist typically engages in a dialogue with the client to understand their vision, preferences, and requirements. This exchange of ideas allows the artist to incorporate the client's desired elements into the artwork while also applying their unique artistic skills and style.
Commissioned art offers a personalized and unique experience for both the client and the artist. It allows individuals or organizations to own or display art that is created specifically for them, showcasing their personal taste, values, or achievements. Additionally, commissioned art enables artists to explore new opportunities, expand their creativity, and establish professional relationships based on trust, communication, and creative collaboration.
The word "commission" has its roots in the Old French term "comission" which originally meant "delegation of authority". It comes from the Latin word "commissio", which means "entrustment" or "commitment". In the context of "commissioned art", the term refers to the act of entrusting or assigning an artist to create a specific artwork for a particular patron or client.
The word "art" originates from the Latin term "ars" which broadly encompasses skill, craft, or technique. Over time, it evolved to specifically refer to creative expression and aesthetic endeavors.
When combined, "commissioned art" refers to the creation of art that is ordered or requested by an individual, organization, or institution for a specific purpose or according to particular specifications.