Arth 210 Instructions For Writing The Introduction Art Histo

Arth 210 Instructions For Writing The Introduction Art Historical Cri

The Art History Critique (AHC) process takes a deep look into an individual work of art. Each Critique begins with a work of art, which will be assigned by the instructor. The Art History Critique process involves analyzing different aspects of the work of art: 1) Description/Subject 2) Formal Analysis 3) Interpretation 4) Historical/Cultural Context.

The instructor will provide students with a work of art as a separate assignment. Using course resources and scholarly sources, students will complete the sections of the AHC process. Sources like Wikipedia entries and personal blogs are not scholarly; however, Wikipedia bibliographies can be helpful. Students can use textbook information and other scholarly sources to craft their responses.

The final deliverable is an essay in Word or PDF format to be submitted via Blackboard. Google Docs or other formats are not accepted. The essay should be organized into well-developed paragraphs with correct grammar and punctuation. Each section must be at least one cohesive paragraph but can be longer.

Sources can be paraphrased or directly quoted. Direct quotes should comprise no more than 20% of the paper and must be in quotation marks, with proper MLA citations both in-text and in a Works Cited list. If unfamiliar with MLA citation style, consult online resources or the ECSU Library for assistance.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires a comprehensive art historical critique comprising four sections: Description/Subject, Formal Analysis, Interpretation, and Context.

In the Description/Subject section, students need to introduce the artwork by providing details such as the artist, title, date, and medium. A brief description of the visual content and subject matter should be included, along with a discussion of the story or meaning behind the work. Importantly, students must explain their rationale for choosing the artwork based on information about the object and its significance, avoiding superficial reasons like personal preference or color appeal.

The Formal Analysis section focuses solely on the physical aspects of the artwork, independent of its subject or meaning. Students should analyze the work’s size (scale), type (painting, sculpture, print, etc.), and the media used. Critical to this section is the discussion of at least two elements of art or principles of design—such as line, color, composition, balance, or contrast—that are dominant and essential for understanding the work's visual impact and meaning. Students should base their choices on their familiarity with art terminology and research if needed.

In the Interpretation part, students interpret what the artwork intended to communicate to its original viewers. This analysis should be grounded in evidence from scholarly sources, focusing on the work’s political, emotional, or cultural messages at the time it was created. Personal impressions or modern interpretations should be avoided; instead, the focus is on understanding the layered meanings and the artist's purpose within its historical context.

The Context section requires students to examine the broader societal, political, cultural, and artistic circumstances that influenced the artist’s decisions. Using scholarly sources, students should analyze why the artist made specific choices and how these relate to ongoing currents and events of the period. Clear, specific explanations supported by evidence are necessary to demonstrate an understanding of the work within its historical framework.

Throughout the paper, use scholarly sources to support your analysis, and aim for about 1000 words. Properly cite all references in MLA format. The final essay must be thoroughly organized, well-written, and demonstrate a clear understanding of art historical criticism. Reach out for guidance if needed, and adhere to all submission requirements to ensure success.

References

• Baxandall, M. (1988). Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy. Oxford University Press.
• Clarke, A. (1998). Art & Design: Theories and History. Laurence King Publishing.
• Gombrich, E. H. (2006). The Story of Art. Phaidon Press.
• Honour, H., & Fleming, J. (2018). A World of Art. Pearson.
• Kemp, M. (2000). Leonardo da Vinci: The Marvellous Works. Oxford University Press.
• Lang, P. (1979). Art History: A Critical Introduction to Its Methods. Prentice-Hall.
• Nelson, R. (1993). Judging & Understanding Art. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press.
• Stokstad, M., & Cothren, M. (2018). Art History. Pearson.
• Weitz, M. (1956). "The Role of Theory in Aesthetic Evaluation." Journal of Philosophy, 53(4), 215-232.
• Zimmer, H. (2014). Art in Context. Routledge.