Analysis 

 
   FORMAL ANALYSIS PAPER

     This is to be a paper (2-3 pages typed) dealing with a single piece of art. Choose an object
     you like. It may be a painting, sculpture, piece of architecture or a minor art object. You
     should like and feel comfortable looking at it for a considerable period of time.

     Your task is to analyze it principally by looking at it. The objective is to LEARN TO SEE.
     You should use at least three written sources (other than your textbook and encyclopedias)
     that will help you focus on what to look at and what to consider. Be sure you acknowledge
     the sources from which you take any ideas, thoughts or words.
bulletAnalyze the art work by describing it in every possible way:
bulletWhat is it?
bulletWhat materials is it made from?
bulletHow large is it?
bulletWho made it?
bulletWhy was it made?
bulletWhat is its subject matter?
bulletWhat meaning does it have?
bulletWhat about its color?
bulletWhat is its particular style?
bulletWhen was it made?

You may give your own opinion about the work of art but be sure your opinion is based on fact and thorough examination. You might ask yourself -Why do I have this response?  Assume your response is appropriate and try to follow it up.

Although the emphasis is to be on analyzing the form the artist has produced (line, color,
shape, texture, composition, etc.) Inferences and evaluations are also important.

Write the paper about the artifact as if you were writing for a museum publication. Pretend that the artifact was just recently purchased or given to the museum and you are writing about it to inform the public.

***Be sure you have read the ANALYSIS chapter on reserve in the library.

Weidman's Bibliographie: check this site for help in researching and writing your paper
Gateway to Art History: Research Resources in Art History: good help for finding information and images

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