Analyze a Written Primary Source (document)When you approach your primary source document, don’t merely read through it, but investigate it and dissect it! A mere summary of the document is not acceptable; your paper must contain your original ideas, questions, andanalysis (see the supplemental web links for more information). When art historians examine a written document, they usually look for and discuss the following aspects, which you can use as guidelines for your paper:•Content▪The subject matter, intent, opinions and implication of the writers/s▪Themes you noticed in the text.▪Meaning (what the document might have meant in its original context, or how it may have been understood by people in the era of study)•Language▪Specifics and nuances of language and tone in the text itself.•Significance▪How the document reflects or is a reflection of its broader historical context, whether that be political, religious, social, etc., or a combination thereof.2.Analyze a Material Primary Source (work of artor architecture)Analyzing a material primary source is similar to analyzing a document, except that your evidence in this case will generally rely on the visual trains of a work of art. Art historians consider the following aspects when analyzing a workof art, which you are to use as guidelines:•FormThe visual aspects of a work of art (consult the textbook introduction for a refresher):▪Elements of Art (line, shape, value, color, texture, time, motion)▪Principles of Design (unity of the composition, variety, rhythm, balance, proportion)▪Media (materials used)▪Technique (how the work was made)
