Instructions:
Analyze the style of a work of art and the historical context in which it was created.
Stylistic analysis: Analyze how the artist achieves the final composition by carefully detailing how s/he utilizes the “formal” elements of the work (i.e. color, composition, shapes or forms, line or contour, mass and volume, light, texture, depth, balance, etc.) and how these elements work together to create the final composition as well as to shape the content and meaning.
Compare-contrast: You may compare-contrast with a related work, such as another work by the artist (if the artist is known) or a stylistically and historically related work. (Refer to Barnet’s A Short Guide to Writing About Art for details about composing a comparison-contrast.) The video “Introduction to Art” in this module is a good introduction.
Historical context: Integrate this analysis of the style with information from secondary sources so as to place the work in its historical context. This information from sources must be: (1) paraphrased in your own words and (2) properly cited (in MLALinks to an external site., APA or Chicago format) immediately after the information in the paragraph.
Sources: Sources must be either peer-reviewed or generated by reliable sources, such as museums or other institutions.
Quotations: Quotations from secondary sources are strongly discouraged. Quotations from secondary sources, if used, should be used rarely and they must be properly introduced and discussed. There has to be a compelling reason to quote, which should be stated and justified. Quotes from the artist are always appropriate.
Total number of pages: 4 to 5 (double-spaced text; the illustration/s and works cited page are extra)
Documentation: Identify the selected work of art. Include documentary information, such as the title, artist, date, and dimensions (if known).
Formal Analysis & Interpretation: Write a formal analysis of the work you have chosen. Begin with a brief overall description, then address the elements of form such as line, color, shape, mass and volume, light, texture space, brushstroke, depth, balance, visual rhythm, etc. Compare and contrast a related art work to bolster your analysis. Discuss the content or meaning of the work within the historical context. How has the artist manipulated and organized the artistic form to enhance and communicate meaning in the work?
In-line citations for all information from secondary sources
