ART History Survey I-Formal Analysis Paper
The formal analysis paper assignment requires comparing and contrasting two culturally related works of art.
It is a detailed visual description and examination of the artworks informed by the context of what you learned in class.
Support your main statement with additional information beyond what was provided in the textbook and class discussions.
The artworks selected for you represent two historical civilizations:
Choice 2 – Islamic Art:
Write a detailed analysis of the following two artworks:
Behzad, A Poor Man Refuses Admittance to a Mosque, from a manuscript of the Boston of Sa’di, from Herat. 1488-89 (image 9.23)
and
Ivory casket of al-Mughira from Cordoba, ca.960 (image 9.10)
This is a formal analysis paper, which means it is mainly a visual interpretation of the artworks with some contemplation of their possible intended purpose and meaning based on what you have learned in class thus far.
A main statement is required, which is a sentence or two describing your ideas about what the potential meaning is/was of the artworks analyzed and how it is manifested stylistically.
To get started with the visual description of the artwork, start by observation first. Describe what you are seeing. Your visual description should be as detailed as possible and include your response to the work.
The subsequent information will be gained from reading the caption, which will/should provide the following basic information:
Artist’s name, if known
Materials
Place of origin
Date of origin
As part of the formal analysis, discuss the reasons why this artwork was made and its meaning.
Base this information on what you have learned in class interpreting it from your critical perspective.
