How to write a visual analysis art history

VISU 2030: Art History I (Dr. Whatley) Paper #2 Prompt: Visual Analysis of an “Unknown” Work of Art Due Date: Thursday, July 18 by 11:59pm as a Word document or PDF on Blackboard Description: A formal analysis includes an analysis of the forms appearing in the work you have chosen. These forms give the work its expression, message, or meaning. A formal analysis assumes a work of art is (1) a constructed object (2) that has been created with a stable meaning (even though it might not be clear to the viewer) (3) that can be ascertained by studying the relationships between the elements of the work. To aid in writing a formal analysis, you should think as if you were describing the work of art to someone who has never seen it before. When your reader finishes reading your analysis, she/he should have a complete mental picture of what the work looks like. Yet, the formal analysis is more than just a description of the work. It should also include a thesis statement that reflects your conclusions about the work. The thesis statement may, in general, answer a question like these: What do I think is the meaning of this work? What is the message that this work or artist sends to the viewer? What is this work all about? For this formal analysis, your thesis and conclusion should also include your identification of the culture or period of the work based on works examined in class through close comparison). The thesis statement is an important element. It sets the tone for the entire paper, and sets it apart from being a merely descriptive paper. Format and Guidelines: Two pages (not including title page), title page, black ink, double spaced, 10- or 12- point type, Times New Roman only, 1” borders. Make sure you proofread your papers for adhering to the information listed above, as well as incorrect grammar, spelling, punctuation, and other errors. In addition, make sure your paper includes a thesis statement. Your grade will reflect your ability to follow these guidelines. In the first paragraph, called the introduction, you will include: •a very brief description of the work

•what you think is the subject •thesis statement - usually the last line or so of your first paragraph that lays out the goal or objective of the paper

From that point, the rest of the formal analysis should include not only a description of the piece, but especially those details of the work that have led you to come to your thesis. Yet, your paper should not be a random flow of ideas about the work (i.e. stream of consciousness writing). Rather, your paper should have a sense of order, moving purposefully through your description with regard to specific elements (ex: one paragraph may deal with composition, another with a description of the figures, another with the background, another about line, etc.). Your conclusion should end your paper with a restatement of your thesis and the identification of the work’s period or culture based on your analysis of the formal features in relation to a work of art examined in class. It is important to remember that your interest here is strictly formal; NO RESEARCH IS TO BE USED IN THIS PAPER. In other words, you are relying on your ability to visually ‘read’ a work of art and make interpretations about it based on your analysis of it. Remember too that your analysis should not be just a mechanical, physical description. Please use descriptive language and adjectives to describe your work. Begin with a general description of the work, and then move on to the more specific elements.

Things to Consider For a Visual Analysis Keep in mind that you always need to Back Up Your Statements! 1. Record your first impression(s) of the artwork. What stands out? Is there a focal point (an area

to which the artist wants your eye to be drawn)? If so, what formal elements led you to this conclusion? Your impressions can help you reach your thesis.

2. What is the subject of the artwork? 3. Composition: How are the parts of the work arranged? Is there a stable or unstable composition?

Is it dynamic? Full of movement? Or is it static? 4. Pose: If the work has figures, are the proportions believable? Realistic? Describe the pose(s). Is