Final answer:
A painting featuring a candle representing the eternal flame uses symbolism. Symbolism is an art movement that uses symbols to convey deeper meanings, such as ideas and emotions, distinguishing it from abstraction and naturalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A painting that shows a candle meant to represent the eternal flame is making use of symbolism. Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that originated in the late 19th century, where artists used symbols to represent ideas and emotions. In the context of a painting, a candle typically symbolizes light, hope, or life; however, when it is intended to represent the eternal flame, it takes on a more profound meaning related to everlasting life, memory, or the divine.
It is important to note that the artistic representation of the candle is not an example of abstraction or naturalism. Although abstraction also deals with ideas beyond the physical world, it does so by simplifying, distorting, or exaggerating visual forms. Naturalism, on the other hand, aims to represent subjects truthfully without artistic conventions or interpretation. The use of the candle as an eternal flame clearly aligns with the principles of symbolism, where a physical object is imbued with additional, often profound, meanings.