Art Appreciation Instructions: The Exam Consists

Art Appreciationinstructions The Exam Consists

The exam consists of 3 single images and 3 sets of comparisons. For each single image, discuss the dominant element such as line or shape, and provide visual evidence. Identify the subject beyond just the surface; consider the deeper meaning of the artwork. Include brief discussion of the media and technique used. For the comparisons, analyze and contrast the artworks based on subject, elements of art, principles of design such as balance and contrast, as well as media and technique. Write no more than ½ page for each single image and no more than 1 page for each comparison, double-spaced. Submit the exam as a doc or docx file to the Exam 2 Dropbox. Use your own words; cite sources if necessary and avoid plagiarism. Reproductions may differ from the originals in color and scale; trust the textbook images first.

Paper For Above instruction

Art appreciation requires a careful analytical approach to visual artworks, considering both formal elements and deeper interpretative meanings. This exam demonstrates the ability to analyze individual artworks and compare different pieces based on multiple criteria, an essential skill in art history and appreciation.

Section 1: Single Image Analysis

Image 1: Pablo Picasso, Guernica, 1937

"Guernica" by Pablo Picasso is a powerful monochromatic mural that captures the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. The dominant element in this work is line; the aggressive, jagged lines depict chaos, violence, and desperation. These lines interweave to create complex shapes and forms, conveying intense emotion. The subject involves a scene of suffering, including distorted human and animal figures, symbolizing the tragedy of the bombing of Guernica. Beyond the surface, Picasso utilizes Cubist techniques to fragment and reconstruct reality, emphasizing chaos and suffering. The use of oil on canvas allows for dramatic contrasts and textured effects, heightening emotional impact.

Image 2: Albrecht Durer, The Knight, Death and the Devil, 1513

This engraving by Durer exemplifies intricate line work, with detailed cross-hatching that creates depth and texture. The dominant element here is line and texture; fine lines depict the knight's armor, the skeletons of death, and the devil, creating a highly detailed, realistic scene. The subject symbolizes vigilance, morality, and the moral struggle against evil. The deeper meaning suggests the moral steadfastness necessary to face mortality and temptation. The printmaking technique of engraving allows for precise, refined lines that contribute to the seriousness and reverence of the composition.

Image 3: Zhang Daqian, Hidden Valley, After Guo Xi, 1962

Zhang Daqian's work employs brushwork characteristic of traditional Chinese ink painting. The dominant element is the use of line and tone; fluid, expressive lines depict the mountains, trees, and water, with subtle ink washes creating depth and atmosphere. The subject is a serene landscape with spiritual overtones, reflecting harmony with nature. The technique combines traditional brush techniques with modern expressive qualities, emphasizing spontaneity and emotional expression. The composition invites an appreciation of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility.

Section 2: Comparative Analysis

Comparison 1: Rosalba Carriera, Portrait of a Girl with a Bussola, 1725-1730, and Edgar Degas, Le Petit Dejeuner apres le Bain, c. 1894

Rosalba Carriera's portrait features delicate, soft pastel tones highlighting the sitter’s youthful innocence. The elements of art emphasize gentle lines and subtle shading, creating an intimate and detailed depiction of the girl holding a compass (bussola). The composition balances the face and hand, exemplifying portraiture's focus on character and personality. In contrast, Degas’s "Le Petit Dejeuner apres le Bain" employs loose brushwork and vivid colors to depict an everyday scene of women bathing. The elements of art—particularly varied brushstrokes and dynamic composition—draw attention to movement and leisure rather than individual identity. While Carriera’s portrait emphasizes delicate refinement, Degas’s work captures fleeting moments with expressive spontaneity.

Comparison 2: Jan van Eyck, Madonna and Child with the Chancellor Rolin, c. 1433-34, and Sandro Botticelli, Story of Nastagio degli Onesti, 1483

Van Eyck's oil painting is highly detailed, displaying rich textures, precise use of light, and deep symbolism associated with religious devotion. The composition exhibits symmetry and balance, focusing on the Madonna and Child, with intricate background details adding context. Conversely, Botticelli's "Story of Nastagio degli Onesti" is a narrative scene with flowing, rhythmic lines and a focus on movement. The composition guides the viewer's eye through the story, emphasizing allegorical and mythological themes. The media differ as Van Eyck's oil allows for meticulous detail and luminosity, while Botticelli’s tempera creates softer, more luminous figures. The comparison underscores different approaches to storytelling—one devotional, one narrative with mythological symbolism.

Comparison 3: Anonymous, Army of the March, 1100-1150, and Robert Longo, Corporate Wars: Wall of Influence, 1982

The medieval "Army of the March" is a fresco or mural element emphasizing repetitive, rhythmic figures that symbolize unity and collective effort, primarily using simple shapes and limited color palettes. Its focus is on the social and military aspects of the time. Longo's "Corporate Wars" employs large-scale, stark black-and-white imagery with dramatic contrasts, using modern techniques of drawing and printmaking to evoke conflict, power, and social critique. The media differ greatly; the medieval work is likely pigment on plaster, while Longo's piece is ink on paper or canvas. The principles of contrast and repetition serve different functions: the medieval work communicates collective strength, whereas Longo’s work emphasizes confrontation and modern social issues.

Conclusion

Analyzing these artworks reveals how formal elements, media, and techniques communicate diverse themes—ranging from war and morality to spirituality and social commentary. Comparing artworks across time periods and genres enhances our understanding of the dynamic evolution of artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of detailed observation and contextual interpretation in art appreciation.

References

• Benton, H., & DiYanni, R. (2014). Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities. Pearson.
• Cook, R. (2013). Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy. Oxford University Press.
• Freedberg, D., & Bock, C. (2014). Art in History, History in Art. U of Chicago Press.
• Gombrich, E. H. (2006). The Story of Art. Phaidon Press.
• Kleiner, F. S. (2016). Gardner's Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective. Cengage Learning.
• Lateiner, D. (2005). The Art of the Italian Renaissance. Princeton University Press.
• Nuttall, Z. (2013). The Art of Narrative. Harvard University Press.
• Panofsky, E. (2015). Perspective as Symbolic Form. Zone Books.
• Stokstad, M., & Cothren, M. W. (2018). Art History. Pearson.
• Wilson, R. (2016). Understanding Art. Routledge.