ART paper

Description Assignment

The dictionary defines the verb “to describe” as follows: “to give an account in words of (someone or something), including ALL the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.” Remember that description is distinct from interpretation or analysis. This assignment is purely descriptive, and it should go no further than the visual.

An excellent description should put the visual into words. There should not be any extraneous information, opinions, or analysis offered. It should also use as much accurate vocabulary and precise language as possible. For example, a round object can be described as a disk, which suggests 2 dimensions, or an orb, which suggests 3. It can be circular or ovoid, large or small, solid (a dot), or merely an outline (a ring). This type of language is almost mathematical in its precision, but the challenge of art historical writing is to also make it readable and not too clinical. Think about the kinds of precise descriptions that poets use—brief and to the point, but also beautiful.

This assignment should be 2-3 pages, typed (12 pt font), and double-spaced. You may choose any one object from the textbook, and you must include an accurate identification of the image that you are describing (provide the artist or culture’s name, the work’s title or nickname, and the approximate date).