Conduct a formal analysis of an artwork using the four aspects of critical analysis described in chapter four of your textbook. Choose one of the three images below and write a formal analysis of the art work in four paragraphs. Follow these guidelines:
- Begin by describing the work in detail, addressing the questions posed in section “4.3.1 Description” of your textbook. Describe only. Avoid conclusions.
- Next analyze how the elements are put to use in the artwork. How are they arranged or composed? Refer to section “4.3.2 Analysis” in your textbook reading.
- Interpret the work. This should be your own interpretation not something you find on the internet. This is you the viewer interacting with the work, your subjective reading.
- Finally, give an evaluation of the work, make a judgement. Be sure to give specific and well thought out reasons for your evaluation. It is not enough to state that you like it, or that you think it is good or bad.
El Greco, “Laocoon” 142 x 193 cm, Oil on Canvas, 1604-1614,
Image source: http://arthistoryproject.com/site/assets/files/11753/el-greco-laocoon-1614-trivium-art-history-3.jpg (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Winslow Homer, “Fog Warning”, 76.83 × 123.19 cm (30.2 × 48.5 in), Oil on Canvas, 1885
Image Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Winslow_Homer_-The_Fog_Warning-_Google_Art_Project.jpg (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Sample Solution