Choose a work from the list below and write a paper that describes that work. Your job is not necessarily to include every detail of the work, but to convey to your reader what that work of art looks like and what the important elements are. We’ve done formal analysis in class; this paper is a formally written version of that. Your paper should have a clear thesis that you support with visual evidence. You should NOT include any outside research. DO use art historical vocabulary that we’ve learned in class, when it is appropriate. (More art historical vocabulary does not necessarily mean a higher grade.)
You will NOT need to go to a museum in person. Please look at the various photos of the work on the museum website and spend a significant amount of time observing your object. While looking at the object, you may use the note sheet to help guide your looking. Your paper should not be a written-out version of this note sheet, or a reflection on your time spent looking at the work. Pick the work that you will most enjoy working with, as this object will also be the focus of your second paper. If there is a work of art not on the list that you’d like to write about (that we haven’t talked about in class and hasn’t been covered in the readings, please email me and I will let you know if that work will be acceptable).
There are example formal analysis essays on writingaboutart.org. Please email or come to office hours with any questions or concerns.
Formatting and Due Dates
2 pages, double spaced, Times or Times New Roman 12-point font
Pages should be numbered
Your name should be on each page
Include the name, date, culture, and artist (if there is one) of your work of art in the final paper.
DUE 9/30/2020 at 11:59 PM THROUGH BLACKBOARD
