The purpose of this study is to examine Western works of art through a historical and archival point of view related to arts psychotherapy. The method of approaching visual works of art is based on essential attributes of art therapy history. The theoretical background is founded in publications and research papers relating to art history, arts philosophy, and expressive arts therapy. To examine contemporary Western works of art and artists, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Henri Matisse were selected for analysis and exploration of the origin of arts psychotherapy. For the purpose of discussing the conceptual foundation of dance therapy, the characteristics of Western works of art and artists were examined, resulting in the following findings. First, the characteristics of Pablo Picasso’s “Three Dancers” include free-form expression, destruction of form, and bodily expression of subjective emotions arising from an inner world. In particular, “Three Dancers” exhibits Symbolism, which is one of the main elements of dance/movement therapy. Second, the characteristics of Jackson Pollock’s “Mural” and “Rhythmical Dance” represent Shamanism and strong Body Action, both from the artifacts and the process of creating them. Lastly, Henri Matisse’s “Dance the Second” and “Two Dancers” show a simple and strong color composition which emphasizes the harmony of nature, humans, and the power of Rhythmic group activity, also a main concept of dance therapy. As a result of the analysis, these three important Western artists and works of art are seen to demonstrate meaningful perspectives and theoretical foundations of dance therapy. Indeed, their works of art could be considered valuable documents of dance therapy history. This study is limited by its focus on only a few selected artists and works of art. A larger, follow-up study is needed to rule out over-generalization. Second, interpretation may be limited by the subjectivity of the author. For this reason, the author included a number of references to support the study’s point of view.