For this assignment you will write a compare and contrast paper where you discuss two artworks. One artwork will be from a style/era we have discussed and one that is from a style/era that we have not discussed that is considered the other/non-western. Your paper should include an iconographic analysis that covers: history, interpretation, cultural-ideological meanings, and symbolisms of the artwork presented, and discuss any similarities or differences in regards to purpose, media, style, theme, subject.
Style 1
Prehistoric, Ancient Near East, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Aegean, Ancient Greece, Etruscan, Ancient Rome
Style 2
Mayan, Aztec, African, Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Indian, etc.)
Possible topics include:
Pyramids of Giza > Pyramids at Teotihuacan, Mexico
Fertility figures (i.e. Venus of Willendorf) > Akuaba dolls, Africa
Concept of afterlife, Egypt > Concept of afterlife/cosmos, Aztec culture (Mexico)
Wall paintings from Ancient Aegean> Japanese ukiyo-e prints
Greek vases > Moche (Peru) ceramics
Ancient Near East steles > Mayan (Central America) steles
Book of the Dead (papyrus) Egypt > Mesoamerican codices, Mexico
Prehistoric cave art > contemporary graffiti
Ziggurat from Ur or Uruk > Asian Pagoda
Pompeii frescoes, Ancient Rome > Mexican muralism – los tres grandes
Egyptian tomb art > Chinese Terracotta Warriors
Diplyon Krater, geometric art, Ancient Greece > Incan geometric patterned art, Peru
Coffin of King Tut, Egypt > sarcophagus of Kinich Janaab Pakal I (Pakal the Great), Palenque, Mexico
Greek Temple > Indian Stupa
Sculpture of Greek God > Asian Buddha sculpture/Indian God sculpture
You may use the links below or browse any other museum website to find your artworks:
The Met (Links to an external site.)
British Museum (Links to an external site.)
The Google Collection (Links to an external site.)
The Compare/Contrast Paper should include:
The essay should answer the question, “How are the objects similar?” and “How are the objects different?” The key to a good compare and contrast essay is to organize the paragraphs by theme where both works of art are discussed all the way through. What are the themes? Choose any of the formal qualities – such as style, material, size, use of line, texture, shape, etc. You also need to include a discussion of the objects’ functions and meanings. So what was the object used for? Who used it? Where was it originally located? Who was supposed to see or not see the works?
**Remember, the most important thing is to discuss the works together. So for example, if you make a point that the materials are the same – both are made out of stone – you need to explain why that is important and talk about both works together. Or if the subject matter is different – why is it different? what is being portrayed in each work?
A thesis statement (identifiable argument/main point) in the introduction paragraph. This statement should identify the significance of the comparison and how it contributes to a greater understanding and appreciation of both artistic styles.
An Evaluation of the similarities and differences regarding form and style: Consider the significance of the differences in form and style and how it impacts the overall message.
An Examination of context in order to examine how style and meaning relate to historical and social context.
