Analyze the style of a work of art and the historical context in which it was created.
Stylistic analysis: Analyze how the artist achieves the final composition by carefully detailing how s/he utilizes the “formal” elements of the work (i.e. color, composition, shapes or forms, line or contour, mass and volume, light, texture, depth, balance, etc.) and how these elements work together to create the final composition as well as to shape the content and meaning.
Compare-contrast: You may compare-contrast with a related work, such as another work by the artist or a stylistically and historically related work. (Refer to Barnet’s A Short Guide to Writing About Art for details about composing a comparison-contrast.)
Historical context: Integrate this analysis of the style with information from secondary sources so as to place the work in its historical context. This information from sources must be: (1) paraphrased in your own words and (2) properly cited (in MLALinks to an external site., APA or Chicago format).
Sources: Sources must be either peer-reviewed or generated by reliable sources, such as museums or other institutions.
Quotations: Quotations from secondary sources should be used sparingly and they must be properly introduced and discussed.
The Paper Guidelines:
Format: The paper must be in MLA format or other standard format, such as APA or Chicago. All information from other sources must be cited it in MLA format in in-text citations and be included in a works cited list. Refer to the links at the bottom of the page for more information and details.
Total number of pages: 5 to 7 (double-spaced text; the illustration/s and works cited page are extra)
Documentation: Identify the selected work of art. Include documentary information, such as the title, artist, date, and dimensions (if known).
Formal Analysis & Interpretation: Write a formal analysis of the work you have chosen. Begin with a brief overall description, then address the elements of form such as line, color, shape, mass and volume, light, texture space, brushstroke, depth, balance, visual rhythm, etc. Compare and contrast a related art work to bolster your analysis. Discuss the content or meaning of the work within the historical context. How has the artist manipulated and organized the artistic form to enhance and communicate meaning in the work?
In-line citations for information from secondary sources
Works Cited page
Illustration/s: Provide an illustration of all the works of art you discuss (photo/jpg). Insert these in the paper. Caption them appropriately. (See the Barnet book for details).
Link to image which the essay is about: https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/https://picturinghistory.gc.cuny.edu/john-gast-american-progress-1872/