It's just a matter of habit in my opinion and it depends on the paintings. I like Velazquez, Bosch, medieval painters, especially Flemish painters, or modern artists, especially surrealists like Dali, or Frida Kahlo who all used lots of symbols, mise en abyme and hidden meanings, I guess they fit in the way my analytical mind works. But I'm not sure I would make the same effort with painters I like less. I'm not that fond of impressionism for instance...so I usually don't try to guess interpretations.

I'm glad that my connecting it to LJ wasn't too far fetched ! ;- )

Woohoo we just made a try against the English!!!!

*watching a France vs England Rugby match*