Abstract

The pictorial syntax directs the order of the basic elements of visual connections and relationships. These include policies such as equality and diversity and characteristics of atomic elements such as direction and perspective. This then raises the problem of knowing and naming the constructions in the space matrix of the painting. The aim of this paper is to consider how to identify significant attributes in the symbolic matrix and its context in order to develop a construction line map. This construction line map aims to uncover the unseen construction ideas of its creator. With this information it will be possible to achive a new or deeper understanding of the painting. This identification can also create a reading hierarchy which apply and can be compared to other paintings. A case study of the background of Immendorff’s painting ‘ready made de l’histoire dans café flor’ will support the points which are raised in this paper. The paper presentation establishes the complex syntax of the picture and isolates the visual components. The comparative line analysis will reveal the secret construction design of the painter and will critically examine the layering of themes in terms of cultural, social, and historical contexts.