How would you describe this painting? You might say that it is crowded with figures which are arranged at a slight diagonal and give the illusion of movement through a great variety of poses and gestures. You might also say that the lighting is varied and that the painting is full of rich colors. What you are describing is the style of the painting.

Peter Paul Rubens, "The Garden of Love"

In this lesson we will discuss what style is, how it can be classified, and some factors that determine it.