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ART 1223, Art Survey Southwestern Oklahoma State University Contextual Analysis Handout

Contextual analysis can be helpful in understanding how a work of art is part of its time. Using contextual analysis, an art historian examines how a work of art was perceived or received in its time, how it is perceived today, or at any other time in history.

Art is not made in a vacuum. It is often influenced or affected by social, political,

economic, and religious circumstances. Art can be both the result of change and an agent of change within that same culture.

It is important to consider parties involved in the creation, use, and viewing of the

work—which can include artist, patron and viewers. Works of art should also be considered according to their intended and eventual use or placement. It is also important to consider our own assumptions about art. Questions to consider asking when using formal analysis

• Who were the patrons, artists, or viewers? • What sorts of records did the artist leave about the creation of this work? Did the artist

say anything about his her intentions in creating the work? Were other artists or workshop assistants involved?

• What were the patron’s motives in sponsoring this work? • Who was able to see the work? Under what circumstances? How did contemporary

viewers receive the work? • When was the work made? Where was it originally located? • In what rituals was this work used or see? • What significance does the materials of the work possess? Is there any significance in the

techniques used by the artist? • What was the political, religious, or social context in which this work was created? • What is the subject? Why is the subject important? Was the subject depicted or treated in

an innovative manner or traditional manner? • What political, religious, and/or social messages are being conveyed through the subject

matter or artistic style of this work? Was this a new or innovative artistic style?