Study the light hierarchy
Trace the largest dark and light areas before naming the symbols. Ask how illumination establishes distance and attention. A restrained tonal structure can create atmosphere without obscuring the whole image.
Compare material and form
Look at stone, metal, fabric, organic surfaces, and their transformations. Decide which contrasts shape the image's idea. In sculpture, also consider how silhouette and shadow change from different viewing positions.
Read symbols in context
An object can carry several associations. Connect your interpretation to its placement, scale, and relation to other forms. Avoid assuming that a familiar motif always means the same thing across artists and media.