Assignment DESCRIPTION Art history is an object-based or object-oriented field of the humanities. A visual analysis forms a key component for the initial outline of scholarly research because it demonstrates a clear understanding of three fundamental elements: context, subject, and style. For this visual analysis paper, students will select one object from the list below. This object will serve as the focus of your visual analysis paper, archives blog post, and Instagram post. A visual analysis paper does not require any outside research; rather, this writing assignment focuses on how to describe and evaluate a work of art, which requires close looking, spending time with an object, and critical thinking. ________________________________________ Step 1: Begin by examining the object and noting any information listed on the museum label (artist (if known), title, date, style, medium, size.) What does this information tell you about the object, i.e.: for whom was it made? What kind of purpose did it serve? What subject does it depict? How was it made? What materials did the artist use? Step 2: Next, look carefully at your object. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of close-looking. What do you notice about it? What kind of impression do you think the artist and patron wanted the viewer to get from the object? This is where to consider what you are able to infer about the object’s context (historical and social period), subject (what is depicted, is it a story, is it a person, what does it represent), and style (what does it look like and how is it depicted). Step 3: Take notes of any relevant information that can support your thesis about this object. Step 4: Lastly, make a sketch (a drawing) of your object on a blank sheet of paper. This will help you further analyze and understand how the object was created and how the artist composed (designed/organized) the object and its constituent parts. While drawing think about how the art object “works.” What formal elements lead your eye through the artwork? What elements of the subject matter and/or forms support or contradict the interpretation of the work you will propose in your analysis? ________________________________________ Mechanics for Writing the Visual Analysis A visual analysis is not just a description. In this paper, students should contextualize their chosen artwork, study its formal elements (composition, color, texture, line, style, subject matter, and so on), and explain how these properties create meaning. In this paper, students must analyze all three of the following elements: the artwork’s context (historical and social period), subject (what is depicted), and style (what it looks like). Your essay must include: 1) An introduction that identifies the work of art you have chosen and gives basic information. [What is it? Who made it? Where is it from?] 2) A thesis statement that lays out your argument and how you will prove it. [I believe that this is X and will use Y and Z to discuss it.] 3) Five body paragraphs (at least) that help prove the overall argument laid out in your thesis. [context, subject, style] 4) A conclusion where you articulate the implications or significance of your thesis and summarize your thoughts. [because of X and Y, we can now appreciate/recognize/understand the importance/relevance/value of this artwork.] An example of a visual analysis is located on the Canvas site for your reference. Peter Paul Rubens Prometheus Bound (W1950-3-1)
