Write a paper examining similarities and differences between two artworks can be a useful analytical procedure.
Osservanza Master, Saint Anthony the Abbot Tempted by a Heap of Gold [Saint Anthony the Abbot in the Wilderness] (c. 1435), tempera and gold on wood panel, 18-1/2” by 13-1/4”; and Fra Angelico, Saint Anthony the Abbot Tempted by a Lump of Gold (c. 1435–40s), tempera and gold on wood panel, 7-3/4” by 11-1/16”.
Paul Bril, Self-Portrait (c. 1595–1600), oil on canvas, 27-7/8” by 30-3/8”; and Judith Leyster, Self-Portrait (c. 1630), oil on canvas, 29-3/8” by 25-5/8”.
Adolph Menzel, The Iron-Rolling Mill (1872–75), oil on canvas, 100” by 62-1/4”; and Maximilien Luce, The Steelworkers (1895), oil on canvas, 45-1/2” by 35”.
Writing a Comparison
First—before doing any research—spend time looking carefully at both images, just as you did when writing the catalogue entry. Try to understand what is going on in each work visually and formally. Then do some background research to learn about their iconographic content and social context. Make notes on your observations. Next, try to formulate a question or an argument to guide your essay. What do you want readers to take away from comparing these two objects? Your may not want to write at length about every distinction between the two works; focus on the points that are relevant to your thesis.
Sylvan Barnet’s chapter “Writing a Comparison Download Writing a Comparison” discusses two possible ways to structure your essay. It also includes a sample comparison written by a student. Read this chapter carefully and refer to it as you outline your comparison.
Your paper should include two or three citations of relevant primary or secondary sources (formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style). However, the main purpose of the entry is not to summarize what others have said. We are interested in your observations and comparative analysis of the works.
Finally, it is essential that your paper be well written, using correct grammar and art historical vocabulary and reflecting good structure and style.
