The essay’s research question is: How does Alphonse Mucha’s Slavic Epic contribute to the construction and representation of cultural identity in the context of the Art Nouveau movement in Europe?
The case studies that need to be analyzed need to be two canvas from the Slav Epic of Alphonse Mucha.
The structure should be the following:
Introduction
The essay needs to start from observations on an example of artistic or cultural heritage.
These observations need to be stated in the introduction.
The observations need to be detailed and well organised (If for example an
artist uses colours in a very particular way, explain what is particular about it, which are the
paintings you noticed this in. In other words, be as precise as you can).
State your research question explicitly in the introduction. Make sure it includes a reference to cultural identity.
The introduction must also include what is intended to achieve in the essay and how is the argument gonna be organized.
Main body
Analyse the case studies carefully; follow up on theinitial observations but do not just
describe them. Keep the research question in mind when analysing the work and do not include any material which is not relevant to the question even if it is a fun fact.
Include the context in the analysis, this will help in the conclusion. (How do the
characteristics of the case studies relate to their context? Consider historical events, political messages, religious values, any contacts with other cultures.)
Reflect on particular symbols and use of materials if relevant.
Ensure the claims are supported. This can be by something that is visible in the case studies and/or by resources.
Try to come to more than one possible interpretation.
If all the readings point to one single interpretation, ask yourself if anything has been left out. Is there a chance the main argument could take a different direction if any other interpretation was plausible?
Include a comparison to another culture, make sure it is relevant to the points that have been raised in the essay.
Conclusion
Answer the research question.
Summarise the points, if there is more than one interpretation, state which one is the most accurate one in your point of view and why.