an artwork that tells a story

Often, muted colors are used. For example, a lot of grays, blacks, and dark blues. These colors set a somber mood. Also, the figures in the artwork might have expressions of pain, sorrow, or weariness. In a painting like 'The Gleaners' by Millet, the bent postures of the poor women gathering the leftovers in the field tell a story of poverty and hardship, which can be seen as a sad story.

One example is the Bayeux Tapestry. It's a long embroidered cloth that tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The detailed scenes show the events leading up to the battle, the battle itself, and the aftermath. Another is Hieronymus Bosch's paintings. His works, like 'The Garden of Earthly Delights', are filled with strange and symbolic figures that seem to tell a complex, perhaps moral or religious story. Also, many ancient Egyptian tomb paintings are a form of artwork that tells a story. They depict the life of the deceased, their journey to the afterlife, and the gods they would encounter along the way.

One common theme is the connection to nature. Aboriginal art often depicts animals, plants, and landscapes which are central to their stories.

One characteristic is the use of symbolism. For example, in a sculpture of a god or hero, the attributes they hold, like Zeus with his thunderbolt, are symbols that tell part of the story. It helps the viewer immediately recognize who the figure is and what they represent in the Greek pantheon and associated stories.

One important method is by creating a clear narrative arc. This includes having a beginning, middle, and end. For instance, in a mural, the artist could start with a problem or a situation at the left side, develop it in the middle, and show the resolution on the right. Also, using facial expressions and body language of the figures in the artwork can tell a lot about the story. If the characters look sad or happy, it gives the viewer an idea of what's going on. And color can play a role too. Dark colors might be used to represent a gloomy part of the story, while bright colors could signify hope or joy.