imals, people, and landscapes, and is the most common source of inspiration for art. Historical subjects are also common in art, partly because rulers like to have their images preserved by art and because artists are sensitive to their eras. Greek and Roman mythology is another popular source of art, particularly from the sixth century BC to the fifth century AD.
The Judaeo-Christian tradition had an overwhelming influence on early art: "In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that in some periods, such as the prehistoric and the medieval, there was really no difference between religion and art" (Dudley, Faricy, and Rice 64). The Renaissance period represented a flourishing of religious art. The Madonna and Child has been a favorite symbol of religious art throughout the ages.
Oriental sacred texts are another frequent source of art. The Buddhist religion is represented in innumerable works. Gods of the Hindu religion are also frequently depicted.
Some artists derive their works directly from other works of art. For instance, poet Anne Sexton based a
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