Meaning of Artist
An artist is a person who exercises the arts and produces artistic works. The definition of the term, therefore, will be associated with what is understood by art.
From the Latin ars, art consists of the expression of sensations, emotions and ideas through plastic, linguistic or sound resources. The concept allows the creations that human beings make to express their sensitive vision of the real or imaginary world to be encompassed.
The notion of art has changed throughout history and, with it, the meaning of artist. The prehistoric men who painted the Altamira caves, for example, are considered artists today. Medieval artisans, Renaissance engravers, and Greek architects are also artists, as are today’s painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, and cartoonists.
Among the many types of artists that exist, we should highlight poets, novelists, playwrights, painters, sculptors, musicians, singers…
The list of classes of artists that exist is vast, and the list of characters that due to their qualities in any of these arts have managed to become true milestones in world history is also very extensive. Among the most significant would be the following:
Leonardo da Vinci. His versatility and high quality in each and every one of the types of art he practiced were two of the main hallmarks of the one who became a key figure of the Renaissance. His most significant works include paintings such as “La Gioconda” or “The Last Supper”, without forgetting the drawing of “The Vitruvian Man”.
Miguel Angel. Within the field of painting, architecture and sculpture it was where this artist especially stood out, who has become one of the most important figures of all time. It was in the Renaissance that this personage was present, who has bequeathed us works such as the “Sistine Chapel”, St. Peter’s Basilica or “David”.
Diego Velázquez, Cervantes, Picasso, Mozart or Beethoven are other artists who have become indisputable figures who have gone down in history for their talent, their qualities and their works, which come to reflect that they were true geniuses of painting, literature or music.
It is possible to distinguish between fine arts and other minor artistic manifestations. In this sense, the definition of artist will also come into play. A person who is dedicated to drawing comics or comics can be considered an artist by some, while others will not include it in the category.
There are also different qualities in artistic works. A painting is generally part of art. But not all people who paint pictures get the nickname of artist. In some cases, even, a subject can define himself as an artist despite not receiving such social recognition.
It should be noted that art is associated with human practices for having an aesthetic or symbolic intention. Some zoos or trainers have had animals like dolphins or monkeys paint pictures, although hardly anyone can consider them as artists.