Contextual Analysis Paper
Final: Contextual Analysis Paper
A key part of visual analysis and art historical work is comparing overarching themes and compositional similarities. This assignment asks you to consider two works of art and how they differ while sharing similar conceptual and compositional elements.Your paper should include a visual analysis for each image that you use for your main compare and contrast points. The paper should not be an argument as to which is better or that you prefer, but should explore the commonalities and differences in how the works are composed in terms of Visual Elements and Principles of Design. You must contextualize the images and consider how their respective contexts might change their approach to Visual Elements and Principles of Design.
Please Note: This is not a research paperbut a formal analysis and comparison of two artworks drawing on the skills that you have developed and material covered during the class. Combine your skills of formal analysis with a critical consideration of relevant contextual knowledge to craft an argument about the significance of your chosen works as a pair. Remember, also, that description should always be used to support your argument, so do not include description for mere description’s sake.
Instructions:
Select two objects/images from course material (lecture, textbook, etc.). One of the objects must be from the Key Objects List (available on Blackboard); they may both be or you may choose a second image from outside of the list. The images should not be from the same artist or period. For example: Choosing works by Raphael and DaVinci or cartoons and a painting done by the same artist would not be allowed. But a work by Raphael and by Kahlo would be allowed. If you have questions, please email me to check your image pairs.
Things to Consider:
- Pre-Writing!! Once you have selected your objects, fill out the Visual Comparison Worksheet (available to download from Blackboard).
- The worksheet is for guidance only: submitting the worksheet as your final paper will result in an automatic fail.
- The worksheet has different ideas for you to consider as you complete it. Think of this as an exercise in developing your arguments. The things that are listed in each section are important points for you to consider to fully complete a comparative visual analysis.
- Use bullet points, full sentences, or whatever method you have
- Turn your worksheet into an essay. Take the descriptions you have written evidence you have identified and turn it into a traditionally structured essay: introduction (with your thesis), your evidence (body paragraphs), and your conclusion (final paragraph).
| 2. Because you are offering your own interpretations about the works, there are no wrong answers as long as you fully explain yourself and back up your claims with evidence.
3. You should not be consulting outside works for this assignment. It must reflect your own knowledge of course materials (textbook, lectures, and any multimedia shared as part of Blackboard learning environments). 4. Any form plagiarism will be result in an automatic fail and could be referred to the appropriate channels as an Academic Integrity Violation. |
Grading:
- Successful papers will include all of the following components:
- Aproperintroductionthatclearlystatesaspecificthesisstatementtobesupportedbytherest of the paper
- A proper conclusion that summarizes main points and brings the essay to a close
- Logicalprogressionofcontentfromobjectiveinformation(physicaldescription,presentation of contextual evidence) before subjective information (points of analysis or interpretive statements)
- Specificuseofcontextualevidenceincludingthemedium,artisticprocess,timeandcultureof origin, subject matter, iconography, and historical significance, as appropriate for each object
- Building on that, your grade will be based on your use of or knowledge of:
- Visual Analysis (Visual Elements, Principles of Design, Iconography, etc.) for each artwork.
- Thesis statement (overarching theme or argument to your paper).
- Clear comparison and contrast of the selected works.
- Knowledge of iconographic, historical, and/or biographical contexts for each work as necessary for the comparison.
- Writing and editing.
Please Note: There is a grading rubric on Blackboard for you to consult as you write and edit your paper. It is also included below for ease.
Format:
- The essay should be between three and five pages, double spaced.
- Images of key art works/objects discussed in the essay should be included, but do not count towards the page count.
- Any sources referenced should be cited according to Chicago Style Guidelines and listed in a bibliography (not included in page count).
- Upload the paper in .docx by the deadline to the appropriate area on Blackboard. Please save all files with CourseNumber(Section)_LastName_ArtPaper. For example, I would save my document as ART(X)__ArtPaper.
Rubric for Grading:
