Question

Four women standing on a beach. One is holding a parasol.
This painting is by James Whistler, and is entitled, Symphony in Blue and Pink. What is the subject matter of this piece?
a.
The mood established by the colors and the musical feel created by the brushstrokes.
b.
The arrangement of the women so that they are vertically symmetrical.
c.
The experience and memories shared by the four figures in the painting.
d.
The four figures standing on the beach.

Answer 1

d. The four figures standing on the beach.

(The subject matter is the literal content depicted; the colors/mood or composition are aspects of style, meaning, or composition, not the basic subject.)