final Arts

You will locate on the internet, research, and analyze one historical work of visual art (not in our text) by an artist produced during the timeframe of this class (c. Renaissance - Present Day).  Your paper must include the following:

Part 1: Identification

Fully identify the work, including: 

· the artist

· title of work

· date

· style

· medium

· location

Part 2: Summary

Research and summarize the historical subject (event or figure) and then evaluate its accuracy in depiction.  In other words, discuss why the artist did or did not deviate from reality.  Make sure you choose a historical work; Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” does not depict a historical event or figure.

Part 3: Identification of Visual Elements

Identify, in detail, three (3) visual elements (choose from line, shape, color, space, and texture) and discuss their organization.  For instance, don’t just state there were lines in the work, detail what kind of lines were used (straight, curved, horizontal, diagonal, thick, thin, implied, etc.) and how they affect the composition (lines dominate the left half of the work, etc.).

Part 4: Identification of Design Principles

Identify, in detail, three (3) design principles (choose from balance, emphasis, contrast, scale, and proportion) and discuss their organization.  Again, don’t just state it’s balanced, explain the type and how. 

Part 5: Conclusion

Conclude with your interpretation of the work by answering the following questions:

· What message was the artist trying to communicate? 

· How did the artist communicate that message? 

· Was it successfully conveyed? 

· How does the work make you feel?  Why? 

· Do you like the work?  Why?

Important Guidelines:

· Organize this material into a 4 – 5 page paper.  It should be double spaced with a 1” margin and type size should not exceed 12 pts.  Art History, as a discipline, utilizes the MLA style. 

· Be as detailed as possible.  Remember to proofread!

· Always cite your sources!   Please read the document, “Important-Tips to Avoid Plagiarism” located in the Content section.

Submit your completed paper to this Dropbox folder by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.  

Note: Papers are expected to be submitted in Microsoft Word; any other file format should be saved as an .rtf document.