PICTORIAL CONVENTION Meaning and
Definition
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Pictorial convention refers to a set of standardized visual techniques, practices, or rules that are commonly employed in the representation of images, illustrations, or artworks. These conventions serve as a way to represent certain subjects, ideas, or narratives consistently across different visual mediums.
In the context of art and visual communication, pictorial convention encompasses the established norms and techniques used to convey and interpret visual information effectively. This can include methods such as the use of perspective, composition, color schemes, shading, and other techniques that help create depth, realism, or symbolic meaning in an image.
Pictorial conventions are often shaped by cultural, historical, or artistic traditions and may vary across different periods and styles. For example, Renaissance art was characterized by the use of linear perspective to create the illusion of depth, while surrealism often employed distorted and dreamlike imagery.
By adhering to pictorial conventions, artists and designers can create visual works that are easily recognizable and relatable to audiences. These shared conventions enable viewers to understand and interpret the intended meaning or message conveyed through the image.
However, pictorial conventions are not restrictive rules, but rather a framework that artists can utilize and adapt to suit their own creative vision. They provide a common language that allows artists, viewers, and critics to engage with visual art and effectively communicate ideas and emotions expressed through images.
Etymology of PICTORIAL CONVENTION
The word "pictorial" comes from the Latin word "pictorius", which means "related to painting or an artist". It is derived from the Latin word "pictor", meaning "painter".
The term "convention" originated from the Latin word "conventio", which means "meeting" or "agreement". It is derived from the Latin verb "convenire", meaning "to come together".
When these two terms are combined, "pictorial convention" refers to a set of agreed-upon or traditional rules, techniques, or methods used in visual representation or art. It relates to the accepted standards and practices artists follow in portraying subjects or concepts realistically or symbolically in two-dimensional or three-dimensional art forms.
