For this assignment, you will be required to complete a critical essay about 3 different works of art from the same period and style. Selected works of art must be chosen from the 1600s to the present (Baroque period through the Postmodern period).
The goals of a critical essay are to evaluate and analyze the works of art based on research using the terms, phrases, and concepts that you have learned throughout the course. The critical aspect of the essay refers to a detached (objective) attitude, not whether you react positively or negatively to the works. Research is required.
Your 3 art choices must comply with the following criteria:
The 3 artworks chosen must be of the same style or time period. The 3 artworks must be by different artists.
Choose from the following styles of art (dated 1600 to present): Baroque
Rococo
Romanticism
Neoclassicism
Realism
Impressionism
German Expressionism
Cubism
Abstract Expressionism
Surrealism
Pop Art
Minimalism
Contemporary Art
The 3 works of art must have a similar theme. Some examples include the following: Landscapes
Works that focus on religious content
Portraits
Works of political content,
Works of modern architecture
Works depicting women and children
Two of the artworks must be from artists that are discussed in the textbook.
Note: If you choose a work of art that is not from the textbook, the artist must be discussed in the text. Begin your search by reviewing artists in the text. Then, you can search other Internet sources for his or her other works of art.
Writing the Critical Essay
Use the following as a guide to help you write your critical essay:
Begin with a thesis statement. Include an introduction that lists the 3 artworks (author and date of work) and explains the style and the theme of the artworks.
Discuss why you chose these 3 works of art.
Describe each work of art by explaining the following (do not simply list the information): What are the materials used?
What is the size?
What is the subject matter? (What is literally depicted?)
What is the focal point?
What is the content? (What is the meaning or message?)
What are the dominant colors?
Is there symbolism? If so, what does it represent?
What are the defining characteristics of the particular style?
Discuss the artists. Include a summary of the artists' personal philosophies of art and the prevailing trends and schools of thought in the art world at the time.
Was the artist reacting to events of the time period?
Include any information that might help the reader understand the artist's point of view or why the artist made his or her choices in this work of art. You may want to find a quote from the artist that explains his or her philosophy.
Discuss the context of the artwork. Explain how each work of art fits into the context of the time period.
What was going on at the time?
Did this influence the artist?
Elaborate on the historical events of the time to indicate how art and culture are interwoven.
Complete a comparative analysis, focusing on the following criteria: Subject matter: What is actually depicted? How are they different?
Content or meaning: How are they different?
Symbolism: What are the differences in each work, if any?
Aesthetic issues: What makes them different in terms of form, materials, or overall artistic expression?
End with a conclusion. Briefly summarize the information, and explain the significance of the 3 works that you chose. Include your personal overview.
3 answers