Art Appreciation Compare and Contrast

Compare & Contrast Response Paper

Goals of this Assignment: Select one set of works from the list below. Describe the works, analyze the
visual elements and principles of designs used in each work, interpret the content/meaning, and
evaluate the success of the works discussing similarities and differences in the two works using at least 6
vocabulary words from class. Finally, describe your own personal reactions to the work and its successes
or failures.

Formatting (10 Points): All components of the paper should be double spaced using a 10 – 12-point
font. Please include the word count at the top of the page – 600 word minimum. You may use the
headings below and fill in your responses in place of the descriptions of my expectations. This paper will
run through the Turnitin Originality Check.

1. Describe the Works (10 Points Total):

Image Identification: Begin by filling in the information below for each work (5 Points).

Artist: Title: Date:

Medium: Dimensions:

Museum/Gallery, Current Location:

Country/Culture: Period/Style:

Image Description: (5 Points).

Now, describe each work and how they relate to each other. If there are figures, describe what they look
like, what they’re wearing, what they’re doing, and the interaction of the figures in relation to each
other and objects within the composition. If there are objects, landscape, or architectural elements
within the composition describe those things as well. Ask yourself: “What do you see?” As you
describe one work, think about the similarities and differences between the two and discuss those. (5
Points) No research needed – just tell me what you see.

2. Formal Analysis (20 Points): Provide a brief description of the major visual elements and design
principles used to create each work. Elements of design include color, line, shape, texture, value, mass,
space, time, and motion. Principles of design include the use of unity, variety, balance, emphasis,
contrast, repetition, rhythm, scale, and proportion. List the way each artist uses these elements and
compare how they are similar or different. For example, is any specific figure the focal point? How do
you know that figure is the focal point? Does the arrangement of objects create lines or implied lines
that act as directional forces emphasizing that figure as the focal point? Do color or value contrasts
create emphasis on that figure as the focal point? How? Use at least 6 vocabulary words that we have
learned in class and highlight them in bold or underlined text in your description. This is based on
observation.

3. Iconography & Interpretation (20 Points): Based on what you see, what do the formal elements
mean? What symbols are created and how are they used? Explain the message or meaning of each
work (i.e. content) based on the