In a formal essay explain the development of one chosen piece of art that is studied in the chapters this term. Based on your approved outline and thesis, describe the artist(s) and art work that made this style distinct and important to its time and culture. Explain the philosophy, technique, visual elements, and physical/geographical/cultural influences both on the artist of this work, but also on the society. For example, explain who were the patrons of this work (Why did people like it? Pay money for it? Display it in a museum?) The answer to some of these questions may come as a revolt to another style/artist/culture or an evolution of external influences (so be sure to explain these ideas as well). Toward the end of your essay you can also focus on contemporary readings and issues that the work brings forth.
Throughout the paper try to answer at least these two questions: How does this specific piece of art define the culture and time from which it was created? By studying the artists’ process and object what can this art piece say about the people it was created by and for?
As described in the directions for your outline, all aspects of how you want to structure your essay are open open, but at some point in the essay you must address items such as the historical significance; visual description (describe it as if the reader has never seen it); meaning/symbolism/usage; cultural representation; formal aspects of the work; how the item was made or crafted (artistic process); contextual information about the artist(s); contextual information about the culture that the artist was working in; scholarly discussion about the work; and, contemporary adaptations or readings of the work (this can include controversial issues about ownership, preservation, cultural oppression, etc).
At the end of the essay include at least one image of the art piece.
-Guidelines for composing this essay: Use 3 rd person (do not use I or you– insert your opinion but select scholars and your thesis to do it for you), find 5 scholarly sources from Google Scholar or other scholarly search platforms that address your topic, use direct quotes with signal phrases from your sources to help support your thesis, have a complete introduction with your thesis as the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, have at least 3 main points and one main point per paragraph, be sure to have a conclusion that connects your essay full circle back to your thesis and introduction. Include a Work Cited in MLA format as a separate page at the end of your paper.
