Art History
Art History I00.3 Storr Fall 2020
Interpretative Analysis (Essay #2)
Interpretation is the process of discovering and expressing meaning in a work of art (or literature, history, etc.). It is distinct from, but based on, close visual analysis which comes first. Interpretation can be done with or without outside knowledge. In this case you will be doing a modest amount of online research after completing a visual analysis. Please follow the instructions in this assignment sheet step by step.
Select a work of art of painting or sculpture within the broad chronological range of this course. Feel free to check your choice with me, in person, email or by txt, if you like. Start with the images in Stokstad, but feel to explore further. I strongly suggest you choose a work of art which is available online on a major museum website with at least a couple of paragraphs of description or commentary: Metropolitan NYC, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Chicago Art Institute, National Gallery DC or London, Tate Gallery, (San Francisco, St Louis, Philadelphia, etc.….). Don’t trust ANY info you find with an image searched through a non-filtered browser like Google Images. Another reliable source is “smarthistory.edu.” NOTE: You may choose any work of art except those interpreted by Stokstad or by us in class.
STEP ONE: Take your time looking carefully, all over, at your selection. Don’t write anything down for a few minutes; just look. Jot down 10 adjectives that come to mind when you look at it, and then circle the three that you think are the most important to understanding this work. Then, sketch it, and mark the parts that you think are relevant to interpretation. Take overall notes about what you see that will help you.
STEP TWO: Make notes about both the content and visual features of this work. Notice both what is depicted and how it is depicted. Notice relationships between the parts to each other and to the whole. Relationship is essential to meaning, in art as in life. Use your notes as the basis for your essay.
STEP THREE: Now, go back and look at your choice holistically, as a single communication created by the artist or artists. What do you think is the clearest overall meaning of this work of art? State this clearly and give evidence of particulars aspects that lead to your conclusion. These can be things, such as flowers or tools; colors or shapes; values and light; abstract forms or logos; or recognized symbols, such as an American flag or a cross. Be sure to mention anything that seems not to fit your conclusion and explain that incongruity if you can.
WARNING: Be careful not to get caught in the weeds of a lot of separate details that don’t add up.
STEP FOUR:
When you write—Start with a general visual introduction about what your choice is and what it looks like. Next, in order of importance, discuss the features that seem to contribute to the overall meaning of what you see. Not everything you notice will have equal importance. Finally, with as much subtlety as possible, write out what you believe is the best interpretation of this work of art based on your observation and understanding.
WARNING: Don’t jump to conclusions especially regarding clichés. Not every tree losing its leaves is about death. Not every young woman in a pink dress is waiting for love to arrive.
STEP FIVE:
Now (not sooner), go find commentary about your choice in one or more reliable museum or scholarly websites (see above) and read what they say about the meaning of the work. Adapt your draft essay, take into consideration what they say, but do not assume that they are right and you are wrong. Cite any sources you rely on.
Your written essay should be about 3-4 pages long, typed or 5 pages hand-written (legible). If you type: double space and use 11 or 12 point type. Due: Wed Nov. 11, at the START of class.
Note: Open Office Hours on the Fri Nov. 6 will be devoted to tips and questions related to writing interpretive essays. If you want to schedule another opportunity for this with me, I am available.
