The art history analysis paper

The art history analysis paper will assess your knowledge of great works of Western art and culture and, in particular, your ability to think critically and contextually about the arts.

Through comparing and contrasting two pieces of art, you will evaluate how two works with similar themes or subject matter can express very different styles, contexts, and cultural meanings.

In the art history analysis paper, you will communicate ideas regarding Western art and culture from antiquity through the Renaissance, using the specialized vocabulary explored within the fine arts and humanities content learned throughout the course.

While the primary goal of this paper is not research, you are strongly encouraged to consult a few quality research sources to assist you in identifying your works and analyze their styles and historical contexts.

Please see the Module Resources folder for suggestions on which sources to consult.
This assessment will assess your mastery with respect to the following course outcomes:
 Obtain knowledge of great works of Western art and culture (art, architecture, music)

 Be able to analyze works of art in terms of subject matter and style

 Be able to communicate ideas about art using the appropriate vocabulary in both written and oral formats
The project is divided into two milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to incorporate feedback and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Module Three and Module Five.

The final submission will be submitted in Module Seven.
You will select two different works of art from two different time periods or style movements from the ancient through the Renaissance periods.

The two works should have some common elements (such as subject matter, theme, or visual structure).

Please include at least one image of each work on the first page of your paper, before you start writing your introduction.

If possible, provide multiple images of your chosen pieces (from websites and online sources), with different angles or views.

In the paper, you will address how the style, theme, and meanings of a work of art relate to its various contexts (historical, social, political, philosophical, artistic, etc.).

You will also examine the ways in which the style of an artwork affects the way it looks; and address how each piece expresses the visual features, formal elements, and thematic concerns of its particular style movement.
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