Figurative art is a genre of art based on real world objects, people or scenes.  Also known as figurativism, this form of art, as we know it today, dates back to ancient Greece.  Often considered the counterpart of Abstract art, this style of art is one of the most universal and can be found in paintings, drawings and sculptures.

But its origins can be traced back even further to the rock carvings in caves made by early Paleolithic man.  While very primitive in style and technique, these are the earliest attempts of man to describe the world around him using art.   Today, artists still strive to define the world around them in paint.  A  modern example is found in such  paintings as Christina’s World, painted by American master  Andrew Wyeth in 1948. It depicts a woman lying in a field looking towards a distant house. The painting features great detail and is very realistic.  It challenges the viewer to try and determine what is happening in the painting, and how the subject's human drama pertains to their own lives and experiences.

However, beginning around the turn of the 20th century, the popularity of human figures as subjects of paintings begins to wane.  Photography is often blamed for this shift, as human beings became easier to depict in photographs. It is true that people are considered the most difficult subjects to paint. However, the real reason for this change is most likely due the artists themselves and their evolving expressive urges. The Impressionists are said to be the first artists to make human figures less prominent in works of art.  Their paintings only show impressions of human forms with little detail.

Luckily for us,  in more recent times figurative art has experienced a revival.  Works such as portraits, caricatures, cartoons, and many more are among the examples of art  exemplifying this trend.  An example is found in Study for a Self-Portrait- Triptych,  painted by Francis Bacon in 1985.

So how do I feel about figurative art?  Anyone who has worked with me these past 25 years will tell you that I love the figure.  Whether it is in the form of a drawing, a watercolor, an oil painting or a bronze sculpture in, the figure is king of the art world for me.  After all, who hasn't stood before an oil painting by Rembrandt or a sculpture by Rodin and not been moved by the humanity  represented in those works.  For in figurative works, we are exposed to a glimpse of ourselves.  Our strengths and our weaknesses, our hopes and desires, and our struggles and victories.  What can be more compelling than that?  To stand before a beautifully executed figurative work is one of the most exquisite pleasures in life.  

Below are some examples of the kinds of work I believe every art lover should have in their collection.

Garcia & Co.

fine art consulting group