ARTWORK ANALYSIS
01
Artwork description
02
03
Social context
Materials and techniques
04
05
Composition
Formal aspects
06
07
Iconography
Subjective interpretation
08
Deepening
Composition
What do I See? What is it made of? And how is it realized? You can ask yourself what kind of object it is, what genre; if it represents something figuratively or abstractly, observing its overall style. You can investigate the composition and the form: shape (geometric, curvilinear, angular, tridimensional, human), size (is it small or large? is it a choice forced by the limits of the display or not?), orientation, the use of the space: is it symmetrical? Is there a focal point or emphasis on specific parts?, perspective, space viewpoint, sense of full and voids, and rhythm.
Social context
In what context (historical, social, political, cultural) was the artwork made? Find out about the political, natural, historical event; the economic, religious, cultural situation of its period. Also, what artistic movements, currents, fashions, and styles were prevalent at the time? What are the intentions of the artist to create this work? The purpose? Art may be commissioned, commemorative, educational, of practical use, for the public or for private individuals, realized to communicate something. Let’s ask ourselves why the artist created it, and why at that particular time.
Formal aspects
You can observe its colors: palette and hues (cool, warm), intensity (bright, pure, dull, glossy, or grainy…), transparency or opacity, value, colors effects, and choices (e.g. complementary colors) Observe the texture (is it flat or tactile? Has it other surface qualities?) You can analyze the study of light (chiaroscuro, tonal modeling, light sourcing, atmosphere) or the type of lines (horizontal, vertical, implied lines, chaotic, underdrawing, contour, or leading lines) After completing this observation, it is important to ask yourself what are the effects of these choices. Are they the result of randomness, limitations of the site, display, or material? Or perhaps they are meant to convey a specific idea or overall mood? Does the artwork support your insights?
Artwork analysis guide
Noelia Ortiz de la T
Created on August 7, 2023
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Transcript
ARTWORK ANALYSIS
01
Artwork description
02
03
Social context
Materials and techniques
04
05
Composition
Formal aspects
06
07
Iconography
Subjective interpretation
08
Deepening
Composition
What do I See? What is it made of? And how is it realized? You can ask yourself what kind of object it is, what genre; if it represents something figuratively or abstractly, observing its overall style. You can investigate the composition and the form: shape (geometric, curvilinear, angular, tridimensional, human), size (is it small or large? is it a choice forced by the limits of the display or not?), orientation, the use of the space: is it symmetrical? Is there a focal point or emphasis on specific parts?, perspective, space viewpoint, sense of full and voids, and rhythm.
Social context
In what context (historical, social, political, cultural) was the artwork made? Find out about the political, natural, historical event; the economic, religious, cultural situation of its period. Also, what artistic movements, currents, fashions, and styles were prevalent at the time? What are the intentions of the artist to create this work? The purpose? Art may be commissioned, commemorative, educational, of practical use, for the public or for private individuals, realized to communicate something. Let’s ask ourselves why the artist created it, and why at that particular time.
Formal aspects
You can observe its colors: palette and hues (cool, warm), intensity (bright, pure, dull, glossy, or grainy…), transparency or opacity, value, colors effects, and choices (e.g. complementary colors) Observe the texture (is it flat or tactile? Has it other surface qualities?) You can analyze the study of light (chiaroscuro, tonal modeling, light sourcing, atmosphere) or the type of lines (horizontal, vertical, implied lines, chaotic, underdrawing, contour, or leading lines) After completing this observation, it is important to ask yourself what are the effects of these choices. Are they the result of randomness, limitations of the site, display, or material? Or perhaps they are meant to convey a specific idea or overall mood? Does the artwork support your insights?