Define genre in art

A genre is a category of creative work associated with shared subject matter, form, conventions, or themes. In art discussions, the word can also appear in the phrase genre painting, which has a more specific meaning involving scenes of everyday life.

Meaning and context

Distinguish category from medium and style. Oil paint is a medium. A recognizable approach to handling color or form may be a style. A genre groups works by conventions or subject, although those boundaries can overlap and change.

Examples and usage

In literature, mystery and romance are examples of genre categories. In visual-art discussion, a painting of ordinary domestic activity may be described as a genre scene. Neither use means that all the works in the category look or function identically.

What to check

Do not use a category label as a complete analysis. Explain the features that support it and acknowledge when a work blends conventions. A dictionary definition helps identify the term, but the particular artwork still needs close attention.

Explore more: Word meanings and writing guides