This study is concerned with an analysis of twenty paintings by Western European artists from the thirty-five-item segment of the Anthony Denney Collection on permanent loan to the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. The paintings were considered separately in a two phase visual and verbal analysis accompanied by visual diagrams. Phase one described the primary visual qualities of each painting through examination of the art elements and principles. Phase two was a verbal description of each painting. The purpose of this investigation is to provide an analysis format suitable for abstract and non-objective works of art.

The use of fantasy by the artists of the period 1250-1650 A.D. will be discussed under five categories. 1. Fantasy was used by artists in religious paintings, which served as a visual book to be viewed by the people. The artist used fantasy to show or illustrate events or miracles which could not be logically explained. 2. Fantasy was used by the artists to portray Greek and Roman mythological subjects and events. 3. Fantasy was used by the artists to present allegorical figures and ideas. 4. Fantasy was used to illustrated dreams or visions. 5. Finally, fantasy was used to create and present all kinds of fantastic creatures and monsters of the subconscious or dream world.