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Formal analysis involves examining the visual elements of art, such as line, color, texture, and composition, without considering historical context or content. It is focused on the artwork's own visual language and its potential aesthetic effects.

Contextual analysis looks at the personal, social, cultural, and historical factors that contribute to the meaning of an artwork. It posits that understanding the context in which an art piece was created is crucial for full interpretation.

Semiotic analysis reads art as a system of signs, employing methodologies from linguistics and semiotics. It decodes symbols, metaphors, and iconography within artworks to understand their meaning and cultural communication.

Psychoanalytic criticism uses principles from psychoanalysis to interpret art. It looks for symbolic representations of subconscious desires, inner conflicts, or psychological traits within artworks.

Marxist criticism interprets art as products of their economic and class contexts. It focuses on how art reflects, reveals, or masks power structures, class struggles, and social disparities.

Eco-criticism analyzes the relationship between art and the natural environment, often highlighting environmental issues or the interaction between culture and nature. It promotes awareness and respect for the ecological context of artworks.

Narrative analysis interprets art as a form of storytelling, considering how an artwork communicates a narrative, whether literal or metaphorical. It examines characters, plot development, and thematic elements.

Expressive theory emphasizes the artist's expression of emotion and personal vision in the creation of art. Art is considered significant to the extent that it reveals the artist's feelings or psychological state.

Intertextuality in art criticism refers to the relationship between an artwork and other texts, whether they be visual, written, or auditory. It considers how artworks refer to and are influenced by other works.

Postmodern criticism challenges the idea of universal truths in art, embracing plurality and fragmentation. It often involves deconstruction, exploring the role of viewer interpretation, and critiquing established artistic canons.

Phenomenological criticism approaches art by focusing on immediate experience and subjective interpretation. It emphasizes the viewer's sensory experiences and personal engagement with the artwork without preconceived notions.

The Principle of Significance refers to the depth of meaning, cultural significance, or philosophical insight an artwork contains. It looks beyond the surface aesthetics to find cultural narratives and larger themes at play.

Instrumentalism is the belief that art should serve a practical function or moral purpose. It rejects the idea that art's sole purpose is to be beautiful or display aesthetic qualities, promoting art as a tool for social or political change.

Feminist art criticism examines the ways in which art perpetuates or challenges gender stereotypes and explores the representation and position of women in the art world. It often advocates for greater inclusion and equality.