Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
Finish the worksheet
2 years ago 30
VisualDescriptionWorksheet5-22.docx
Module4_VisualDescriptionWorksheet.pdf
VisualDescriptionWorksheet5-22.docx
NAME:
Worksheet: Visual Description
The main goal of this assignment is to help you practice visual description, an important component of visual analysis. Your job is to describe not just what you see (i.e., the content or subject) but how, visually, the subject matter is depicted. Visual description requires that you convey the formal or visual properties of a work in words, and this can present some challenges. In a few weeks, you have a Visual Analysis Paper due, so your work here will help prepare you for that assignment.
Look carefully at your chosen work. For each of the elements below, write approximately 2-4 complete sentences. Spend some time observing and brainstorming before you write your responses. The questions are intended to help you identify and describe the major visual elements in the piece. You should aim for clarity, precision, and specificity in your descriptions.
Subject Matter
What does the image portray? What is the nature of the setting and the figures’ identities, if discernible? Are there significant poses or gestures that indicate the subject or action? Does the scene allude to a larger narrative? Is there a sense of imminent or unfolding action? Or does the scene appear to be removed from the flow of time? Is there background scenery and, if so, how is it represented?
Scale
What is the size of the work? Does the size convey or suggest anything about the status of the subject matter or impact its interpretation? What is the scale in relation to the viewer? Is the viewer dominated by it, or can one hold or handle the object?
Medium & Materials
What is the medium of the work? Are there multiple media or materials used? Are the materials costly or inexpensive and everyday? Does the artist’s handling of the materials bring out any special properties or characteristics of the medium or materials?
Composition
How are the different elements of the subject arranged on the pictorial surface? How do they visually relate to each other? For instance, are there repeated shapes, lines or patterns? Is there a dominant vertical, horizontal or diagonal structure that organizes the image? All these things are part of “composition.”
Space
Does the artist create a structured “stage” for the scene or is space more vague? Does the artist create the illusion that the space is a continuation of our own? Is space portrayed as shallow, deep, or flat? Is it densely packed with solid forms or is it open or empty?
Line
Are there strong linear elements in the work—created, for example, by certain motifs, gestures, etc.? Do horizontal or vertical lines predominate? Are lines curved or angular, sharply contoured or blurry and indistinct? Do they create key connections and/or divisions in the composition?
Color & Light
What is the role(s) of color? Has the artist used a limited or wide range of colors? Do the colors unify or create contrasts between different elements of the work? Is there a consistent, identifiable light source in the image? Does it illuminate and clarify and/or obscure elements of the work? Does light suggest volume (through illusionistic shading)? Is the scene evenly illuminated?
Visual Emphasis
What elements or motifs get special emphasis in the work? How is this visual emphasis created?
Viewer’s Relationship to the Work
What is the spectator’s relationship to the scene? What point of view does the image assign to the viewer—do we look up, down, or directly at the scene? Do we encounter it from nearby or far away? Does the scene appear to take place on another level of reality or is it continuous with our space? Do elements of the work invite the viewer into the scene? Or do they keep the spectator at a distance? Does the size of the work impact how spectators would view the work?
Conclusions & Assessments
Here, you will practice using your descriptive observations to start building an analysis. Using your responses above, suggest three ways that the work’s visual qualities create certain meanings or effect(s) or encourage particular interpretations of the subject matter.
1.
2.
3.
Module4_VisualDescriptionWorksheet.pdf
Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
Due Tuesday by 11:59pm Points 50 Submitting a file upload File Types doc, docx, pdf, and rtf
Start Assignment
ARTH 3010
WORKSHEET: VISUAL DESCRIPTION
INSTRUCT IONS
Click Here to Download: ARTH 3010 Visual Description Worksheet (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164537141?wrap=1)
(https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164537141/download?download_frd=1)
Spend some time looking at the images below and choose one (and only one) as the subject of your visual description. Download the worksheet linked above & fill it out to the best of your ability. Reach out to your instructor or TA if you have questions! Once you have completed all of the sections, please save & retitle the file with your name (e.g. "YourName_VisualDescription.docx") Upload your file to this assignment to submit.
IMAGES Choose one of the following images as the subject of your visual description worksheet. All the background you need for each image has been provided below; you should not do any research for this assignment, focus on looking and describing. Note that details (or close-ups) have been provided for some of the works to highlight some features.
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 1/6
1. Chimalli (Mexica, early 16th century). Feathers, gold leaf, cotton fibers, leather, and reed. 27.5 inches diameter.
Click to download: Full view (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536975/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536975/download?download_frd=1) Click to download: Detail 1 (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536979/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536979/download?download_frd=1) Click to download: Detail 2 (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536977/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536977/download?download_frd=1) Click to download: Detail 3 (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536978/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536978/download?download_frd=1)
Chimalli means "shield" in Nahuatl. This shield bears an image of a coyote, an animal that the Mexica viewed as a protector of their military ventures. This shield was likely intended for rituals or victory ceremonies rather than for use in battle. Although the shield was probably produced shortly before or during the Spanish conquest, it appears to have been shipped to Spain in the 1520s.
2. St. Michael Slaying the Devil (late 16th century). Feathers and gilt paper mounted on copper, 10.4 x 8.4 inches.
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 2/6
Click to download: Feather mosaic, St. Michael Slaying the Devil (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536976/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536976/download?download_frd=1)
In the Book of Revelations, the last book in the Christian bible, the Archangel Michael defeated the devil in a battle in heaven. In the Catholic tradition, Michael is known as a warrior in the army of God, triumphing over hell. He is often shown holding scales with small figures or souls, which refers to his role as the weigher of souls' virtues and sins at death. A Latin inscription at the bottom of the mosaic reads: S. MICHAEL ARCHANGELUS (St. Michael Archangel). This image was produced by feather workers in the Spanish colony of New Spain and then shipped to Europe, where it soon entered the collection of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. Note that some of the mosaic has been worn or damaged over time, particularly in the lower half of the image (around the scales, for example).
3. Gerard van Groeningen, Allegory of America (ca. 1570). Engraving, 8.8 x 12.5 inches.
Click to download: Full view (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536974/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536974/download?download_frd=1)
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 3/6
Visual Description Worksheet
In this European engraving (https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/engr/hd_engr.htm) , a female personification of America rides a chariot. The print also includes scenes of indigenous Americans dancing in a square, cannibals preparing a meal, and a battle between European ships and indigenous Americans on shore. In the upper left, a Latin inscription reads "America, in wild ignorance in the west." At the bottom of the composition, another Latin inscription states "I, America, fill my people with gold and silver." The wheels of the chariot bear Latin inscriptions of different Spanish and Portuguese colonies: Brazil, Hispaniola, Cuba, and Peru.
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 4/6
Criteria Ratings Pts
5 pts
9 pts
9 pts
9 pts
Subject matter
5 to >4.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
4 to >3.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
3 to >2.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
2 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Scale, medium, and materials
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Composition and space
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Line, color and light
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 5/6
Total Points: 50
Criteria Ratings Pts
9 pts
9 pts
Visual emphasis and viewer's relationship to work
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Conclusions and assessments
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 6/6
VisualDescriptionWorksheet5-22.docx
NAME:
Worksheet: Visual Description
The main goal of this assignment is to help you practice visual description, an important component of visual analysis. Your job is to describe not just what you see (i.e., the content or subject) but how, visually, the subject matter is depicted. Visual description requires that you convey the formal or visual properties of a work in words, and this can present some challenges. In a few weeks, you have a Visual Analysis Paper due, so your work here will help prepare you for that assignment.
Look carefully at your chosen work. For each of the elements below, write approximately 2-4 complete sentences. Spend some time observing and brainstorming before you write your responses. The questions are intended to help you identify and describe the major visual elements in the piece. You should aim for clarity, precision, and specificity in your descriptions.
Subject Matter
What does the image portray? What is the nature of the setting and the figures’ identities, if discernible? Are there significant poses or gestures that indicate the subject or action? Does the scene allude to a larger narrative? Is there a sense of imminent or unfolding action? Or does the scene appear to be removed from the flow of time? Is there background scenery and, if so, how is it represented?
Scale
What is the size of the work? Does the size convey or suggest anything about the status of the subject matter or impact its interpretation? What is the scale in relation to the viewer? Is the viewer dominated by it, or can one hold or handle the object?
Medium & Materials
What is the medium of the work? Are there multiple media or materials used? Are the materials costly or inexpensive and everyday? Does the artist’s handling of the materials bring out any special properties or characteristics of the medium or materials?
Composition
How are the different elements of the subject arranged on the pictorial surface? How do they visually relate to each other? For instance, are there repeated shapes, lines or patterns? Is there a dominant vertical, horizontal or diagonal structure that organizes the image? All these things are part of “composition.”
Space
Does the artist create a structured “stage” for the scene or is space more vague? Does the artist create the illusion that the space is a continuation of our own? Is space portrayed as shallow, deep, or flat? Is it densely packed with solid forms or is it open or empty?
Line
Are there strong linear elements in the work—created, for example, by certain motifs, gestures, etc.? Do horizontal or vertical lines predominate? Are lines curved or angular, sharply contoured or blurry and indistinct? Do they create key connections and/or divisions in the composition?
Color & Light
What is the role(s) of color? Has the artist used a limited or wide range of colors? Do the colors unify or create contrasts between different elements of the work? Is there a consistent, identifiable light source in the image? Does it illuminate and clarify and/or obscure elements of the work? Does light suggest volume (through illusionistic shading)? Is the scene evenly illuminated?
Visual Emphasis
What elements or motifs get special emphasis in the work? How is this visual emphasis created?
Viewer’s Relationship to the Work
What is the spectator’s relationship to the scene? What point of view does the image assign to the viewer—do we look up, down, or directly at the scene? Do we encounter it from nearby or far away? Does the scene appear to take place on another level of reality or is it continuous with our space? Do elements of the work invite the viewer into the scene? Or do they keep the spectator at a distance? Does the size of the work impact how spectators would view the work?
Conclusions & Assessments
Here, you will practice using your descriptive observations to start building an analysis. Using your responses above, suggest three ways that the work’s visual qualities create certain meanings or effect(s) or encourage particular interpretations of the subject matter.
1.
2.
3.
Module4_VisualDescriptionWorksheet.pdf
Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
Due Tuesday by 11:59pm Points 50 Submitting a file upload File Types doc, docx, pdf, and rtf
Start Assignment
ARTH 3010
WORKSHEET: VISUAL DESCRIPTION
INSTRUCT IONS
Click Here to Download: ARTH 3010 Visual Description Worksheet (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164537141?wrap=1)
(https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164537141/download?download_frd=1)
Spend some time looking at the images below and choose one (and only one) as the subject of your visual description. Download the worksheet linked above & fill it out to the best of your ability. Reach out to your instructor or TA if you have questions! Once you have completed all of the sections, please save & retitle the file with your name (e.g. "YourName_VisualDescription.docx") Upload your file to this assignment to submit.
IMAGES Choose one of the following images as the subject of your visual description worksheet. All the background you need for each image has been provided below; you should not do any research for this assignment, focus on looking and describing. Note that details (or close-ups) have been provided for some of the works to highlight some features.
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 1/6
1. Chimalli (Mexica, early 16th century). Feathers, gold leaf, cotton fibers, leather, and reed. 27.5 inches diameter.
Click to download: Full view (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536975/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536975/download?download_frd=1) Click to download: Detail 1 (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536979/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536979/download?download_frd=1) Click to download: Detail 2 (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536977/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536977/download?download_frd=1) Click to download: Detail 3 (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536978/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536978/download?download_frd=1)
Chimalli means "shield" in Nahuatl. This shield bears an image of a coyote, an animal that the Mexica viewed as a protector of their military ventures. This shield was likely intended for rituals or victory ceremonies rather than for use in battle. Although the shield was probably produced shortly before or during the Spanish conquest, it appears to have been shipped to Spain in the 1520s.
2. St. Michael Slaying the Devil (late 16th century). Feathers and gilt paper mounted on copper, 10.4 x 8.4 inches.
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 2/6
Click to download: Feather mosaic, St. Michael Slaying the Devil (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536976/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536976/download?download_frd=1)
In the Book of Revelations, the last book in the Christian bible, the Archangel Michael defeated the devil in a battle in heaven. In the Catholic tradition, Michael is known as a warrior in the army of God, triumphing over hell. He is often shown holding scales with small figures or souls, which refers to his role as the weigher of souls' virtues and sins at death. A Latin inscription at the bottom of the mosaic reads: S. MICHAEL ARCHANGELUS (St. Michael Archangel). This image was produced by feather workers in the Spanish colony of New Spain and then shipped to Europe, where it soon entered the collection of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. Note that some of the mosaic has been worn or damaged over time, particularly in the lower half of the image (around the scales, for example).
3. Gerard van Groeningen, Allegory of America (ca. 1570). Engraving, 8.8 x 12.5 inches.
Click to download: Full view (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536974/download?wrap=1) (https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/files/164536974/download?download_frd=1)
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 3/6
Visual Description Worksheet
In this European engraving (https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/engr/hd_engr.htm) , a female personification of America rides a chariot. The print also includes scenes of indigenous Americans dancing in a square, cannibals preparing a meal, and a battle between European ships and indigenous Americans on shore. In the upper left, a Latin inscription reads "America, in wild ignorance in the west." At the bottom of the composition, another Latin inscription states "I, America, fill my people with gold and silver." The wheels of the chariot bear Latin inscriptions of different Spanish and Portuguese colonies: Brazil, Hispaniola, Cuba, and Peru.
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 4/6
Criteria Ratings Pts
5 pts
9 pts
9 pts
9 pts
Subject matter
5 to >4.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
4 to >3.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
3 to >2.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
2 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Scale, medium, and materials
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Composition and space
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Line, color and light
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 5/6
Total Points: 50
Criteria Ratings Pts
9 pts
9 pts
Visual emphasis and viewer's relationship to work
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
Conclusions and assessments
9 to >8.0 pts Excellent
Thoughtful and thorough; descriptions are clear, precise and demonstrate careful observation.
8 to >7.0 pts Good
Generally skilled; descriptions generally demonstrate careful observation with only small lapses.
7 to >6.0 pts Needs improvement
Descriptions demonstrate minimally adequate attention to the work; may include one or two faulty or vague observations.
6 to >0.0 pts Poor
Inadequate or vague descriptions demonstrating insufficient engagement with the work. May not fulfill length requirements.
0 pts Insufficient
No response submitted
2024/9/9 13:06 Module 4: Visual Description Worksheet
https://utah.instructure.com/courses/976764/assignments/14486620?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Futah.instructure.com%2Fcalendar%23view_name%3Dmonth%26vi… 6/6