There are three basic types of Visual Art. Often, these types are misrepresented or more often, misunderstood. Whether the work is three dimensional sculpture or two dimensional, it will still fall under one these three main types. These types are representational, abstract, or non-objective. The intent of the artist often times informs us on the type of art at which we are viewing. Representational artwork aims to represent actual objects or subjects from reality. Abstract art, often misunderstood type of art known as abstraction aims to take subjects from reality but present them in way that is different from the way they are viewed in our reality. Non-objective art is to use the elements and principles of art in a way that results in a visually stimulating work.

(From left to right) Representational

Christ and the Adulteress

 Artist: Lucas Cranach the Younger and Workshop (German, Wittenberg 1515–1586 Wittenberg)

 Date: ca. 1545–50

http://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436034

This work of art is an example of representational imagery and is more representational because the artist illustrates the biblical passage in which a woman accused of adultery, an offense punishable by death in Mosaic law is brought before Christ. He responds to her accusers with the words written across the top of the painting

  The Dead Christ with Angels

 Artist:Édouard Manet (French, Paris 1832–1883 Paris)

Date: 1864

http://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436950

This work of art is an example of representational imagery and is more representational than the next work of art because the artist illustrates the first of several religious scenes. Christ’s tomb is empty except for two angels.

 Christ Healing the Blind

 Artist:El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek, Iráklion (Candia) 1540/41–1614 Toledo)

Date: ca. 1570

http://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436572

This work of art is an example of representational imagery and is more representational than the next work of art because the artists illustrates the Gospel account of Christ healing a blind man by anointing his eyes.

(Abstract Art top to bottom)

Sketch of the arrest of Christ

David Jones

Date: 1920-12921

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/archive/TGA-8222-1-26-1

This work of art is an example of abstract imagery and is more representational than the previous work of art because the artist illustrates that Christ is being arrested in some sort in front of a village of people, feeling defending and ashamed.

The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter

Henry Thomson

Date: 1820

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/T13558

This work of art is an example of abstract imagery and is more abstract than the next work of art because the artists illustrates a scene from the life of Christ. Jairus was a leader of the synagogue whose daughter lay dying. Jairus’s daughter is placed at the centre of the canvas, prepared for burial. Jairus appealed to Jesus for help, and despite the skepticism of the mourners in attendance the child was returned to life.

(Non-Objective art left to right)

Head of Christ

Artist:: Master of the Orcagnesque Misericordia

Date: 14th century

http://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437021

 This work of art is an example of non-objective imagery and is more abstract  than the previous work of art because the artist painted front and back and with its original frame, shows two angels holding the cloth on which Christ’s head was miraculously imprinted (Veronica’s veil). The inscription on Christ’s collar suggests that it may have been used during the Mass as a pax to pass the kiss of peace.

The Baptism of Christ

Artist: Jacopo Bassano (Jacopo da Ponte)

Date: 1590

http://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/440393

 This work of art is an example of non-objective imagery and is more non-objective than the next work of art because the artists is deeply expressive and almost unique in showing the Baptism of Christ as occurring late at night. He interprets the baptism of Christ not as a sunny event in a pastoral landscape but as the tragic opening of Christ’s Passion.