This assignment is a formal analysis paper in which you compare and contrast two artworks (see the three comparisons below). DO NOT cite, use, or source other websites for this project.
The paper’s thesis is due on September 26th, and feedback will be given in regard to revision.
The paper’s rough draft is due on October 17th, and feedback will be given in regard to revision.
FORMAT: minimum 4 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman script, 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides, title, but no cover page. In the upper left corner of the first page, include your name, the course, instructor’s name, and the date.
The paper must be in Word.
Choose ONE of the three comparisons from the following list and compare and contrast the art shown based on formal analysis (see rubric). You may not select works other than those in the comparisons, and you may not rearrange the works in the comparisons. You must select one of the comparisons as they are given.
Comparison of choice:
- Michelangelo, The Creation of Adam, Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, fresco, 1508-1512 (Week 7)
- The left panel (The Garden of Eden) of Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights, 1505–1510, oil on wood (Week 2)
Choose the pair of works that you have the most to say about. I am interested in your original thinking and observations about the visual aspects of the works. However, make sure you know the basic story of the works! All of these works are mentioned somewhere in the readings and PowerPoint files for this class. I have indicated at the end of each title the lesson in which you’ve learnt (or will learn) about them. You are not to do additional research (in addition to the information in class PowerPoints and readings/videos). The paper should contain your original thinking on these works and the best way to compare them.You are to use the art terminology you have learned to analyze the works in terms of the elements of art and the principles of design while illustrating an understanding of the subjects and their meaning.
Things to think about: What is the message that these works send to the viewer? How do these works differ in terms of their visual aspects and meanings? How are they similar?
Think of your paper as having several parts: introduction, exposition, and conclusion. In each section, be sure that each paragraph gives background for the next paragraph, or follows up something in the paragraph before it. Make sure your writing is clear and has a point, and that the thoughts are connected, showing good transition in the thoughts and in the phrasing.. Write one paragraph per main point you are making. The first sentence of each paragraph, the topic sentence, must summarize the point of that paragraph, so that your reader knows from the first sentence of that paragraph what the point of that paragraph will be.
- In the first paragraph, called the introduction, you will include:
- the titles of the works you will discuss, the names of the artists, and the media used
- thesis statement – usually the last line of your first paragraph. Your thesis statement should compare the works you chose to discuss. Your thesis is basically the main point you want to make on your comparison of the works. Your thesis cannot just state that there are many similarities and differences between the works. It should state exactly how the works are similar and different. Follow the format given in the Thesis assignment: provide the names of the artists. the titles of the works, your position, and how you will defend that position using art elements and design principles, in one sentence.
- Exposition: The exposition lays out the evidence available to support the thesis. Examine the works carefully. Here is where you must show that you have understood the formal elements studied in class and can analyze art works by using your knowledge of formal elements. You need to:
- Do a good formal analysis of the works you chose. Formal analysis is about the work’s composition;how is it put together? (Refer to the Lessons on the elements of art and the principles of design.) Take an adequate amount of time describing the works and comparing them visually. How do they look different? What different techniques were used to make them?
- Spend a significant amount of time comparing the meanings of the works to one another. How is the focus of these works different? What different messages do they communicate to the viewers? How do art elements and design principles express the meaning?
Here is a list of questions to get you thinking of ways to do your formal analysis. Do not write a paper that answers all these questions. Rather use these questions to get ideas on what to write. Only answer questions relevant to your objects. Then organize your notes into a coherent argument.
Things to consider (in no order—choose whichever apply to the works you selected):
- What stands out in the art works you chose? Is there a focal point (an area to which the artist wants your eye to be drawn)? If so, what formal elements led you to this conclusion?
- What is the subject of the artwork?
- Composition: How are the parts of the work arranged? Is it dynamic? Full of movement? Or is it static? Review the thesis assignment for understanding of composition.
- Proportions: Does the whole or even individual parts of the objects in the work look natural? Why did you come to this conclusion?
- Line: Are the outlines (whether perceived or actual) smooth, fuzzy, clear? Are the main lines vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curved, or a combination of any of these? Are the lines jagged and full of energy? Sketchy? Geometric? Curvilinear? Bold? Subtle? What is the effect?
- Space: If the artist conveys space, what type of space is used? What is the relation of the main figure/object to the space around it? Is the setting illusionistic, as if one could enter the space of the painting, or is it flat and two-dimensional, a space that one could not possibly enter? What is the effect?
- Is there any texture to the paint surface? Are the brushstrokes invisible? Brushy? Sketchy? Loose and flowing? Or tight and controlled? What is the effect?
- Light and Shadow: Are shadows visible? Where? Are there dark shadows, light shadows, or both? How do the shadows affect the work
- Color: What type of colors are used in the work? Bright? Dull? Complementary? Does the artist use colors to draw your attention to specific areas of the work? How? What is the effect?
- Mood: Do you sense an overall mood in the artwork? Perhaps several different moods? If so, describe them. How do the formal elements create the mood(s)? How does the mood interpret how you view the work?
- Conclusion: summarize your main points.
You will be graded based on the quality of your writing. Papers with weak argumentation, poor structure, sloppy editing, imprecise or incorrect word choice, spelling errors, or grammatical mistakes will be downgraded. Write a draft and revise it critically. Use the Writing Center (http://www.tmcc.edu/writingcenter/). You can get 2 extra credit points for using the Writing Center for your semester paper. You must give me evidence of having used either Writing Center to get these points. To get the points, you must follow the suggestions given to you by the writing tutor.
I also recommend Grammarly, a website that allows you to see what grammar and spelling mistakes you make, and then allows you to correct them. Here is the link http://www.grammarly.com/edu/. Grammarly is much better than the spelling check in Word. You need to sign up for an account using your TMCC email. You must use your TMCC email for the service to be free. Once you sign in, you can paste a text, and the program will correct it, while also explaining to you which common mistakes you make. That way you learn to avoid making the same errors in the future.
This is not a research paper. Rather, I am interested in your thoughts on interpreting and comparing art works. Any research will earn a zero for the paper, as will the use of AI, and you will have to write a new paper on one of the other comparisons.
The paper is due November 7th at 11:59 pm on Canvas and is worth 10 points (out of 100) Remember that this is a three stage paper, and you must have submitted your thesis statement by September 26th and your rough draft by October 17th to receive the possible 10 points.
Late papers will be accepted for up to one week after the deadline, downgraded to maximum 10 points for being 1-3 days late, and to maximum 7.5 points for being 4-7 days late. Failure to hand in a paper will result in a 0 for the paper.
GRADING RUBRIC (10) Be certain to read this rubric
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THESIS (1) |
ARGUMENT (1) |
FORMAL ANALYSIS OF 2-3 WORKS (3) |
VISUAL COMPARISON (2) |
COMPARISON OF MEANING (2) |
STYLE (1) |
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A |
Statement of main point set out at beginning of paper. Student made clear which comparison was chosen and how the works relate to each other. The thesis is strong and precise, and it must follow the format given in the thesis assignment, explaining in detail your argument and how you will support that argument by use of formal elements and design principles.
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Paper is organized into a coherent argument. Logical connection from one section to another; solid conclusion; well organized. Each paragraph supports the thesis. |
Good formal analysis of 2-3 works; paper shows that student is proficient in interpreting works of art using the formal elements learnt in class that are applicable to the works chosen (line, space, color etc). Student can draw conclusions about the most important aspects of the work based on formal analysis. |
Student skillfully compared the works in terms of their visual aspects. |
Student competently compared the works in terms of their meanings. |
Fluent formal language and accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Student used topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph. Each paragraph is organized around one major idea. |
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B |
The thesis is a bit vague to act as the starting point of a good argument, yet the student tried to use a workable thesis. Student explained more than just stating that there are many similarities and differences. |
Student made a good attempt to organize notes and ideas on visual aspects of the works and meanings into a coherent argument, yet some problems remain. |
Superficial formal analysis; student drew some conclusions about the works based on formal analysis, but struggled to do so. |
Student drew a superficial conclusion about the comparison between the visual aspects of the works. |
Student drew a superficial conclusion about the comparison between the meanings of the works. |
Mostly clear with few lapses of punctuation, spelling, or grammar. Missing few topic sentences. |
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C |
The thesis is too vague to act as the starting point of a good argument. Thesis sounds like “there are many similarities and differences between these three works.” |
Student did not organize ideas into an argument. Paper reads like a list of observations on the works. Student took list of questions given above and tried answering them without then turning their notes into a paper. No main point is being argued. Long paragraphs sound like brainstorming rather than ideas organized into an argument. |
Poor formal analysis. Student’s writing implies a lack of understanding of what formal analysis is, and how to interpret art works based on the concepts of line, space, color etc learnt in class.
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Student barely drew a conclusion about the ways in which the art works differ in their visual aspects. |
Student barely drew a conclusion about the ways in which the art works differ in meaning. |
Multiple flaws, e.g. incomplete sentences, unclear expression, rambling sentences; errors of spelling and grammar. General lack of topic sentences. |
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D |
There is no thesis statement. |
Paper has no sense of direction. |
Student just described the works superficially, and did not spend time doing a formal analysis. |
Student did not compare the visual aspects of the art works. |
Student did not compare the meanings of the art works. |
Many flaws that really inhibit reader’s comprehension of the paper. |
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The only two references we’re allowed(not a research essay Don’t quote the articles):
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/renaissance-art-europe-ap/a/michelangelo-ceiling-of-the-sistine-chapel
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/northern/hieronymus-bosch/a/bosch-the-garden-of-earthly-delights