Visual Arts Awareness

Summer 2020

Comparative Analysis Paper

Choose one pair of artworks from the three options below and compare:

Option 1:

Colosseum, 72-80 CE, Rome, Italy. Figure 4.1.2, pg. 563.

Ise Jingu, site dates from 4^th century CE, rebuilt 1993. Mie Prefecture, Japan. Figure 4.2.15, pg. 585.

Option 2:

Bis poles, late 1950s, Asmat culture, New Guinea. Figure 4.3.5, pg. 591.

Caspar David Friedrich, Abbey Among Oak Trees, 1809-10. Figure 4.3.16, pg. 597.

Option 3:

Carrie Mae Weems, “You Became a Scientific Profile,” from the series From Here I Saw What Happened, and I Cried, 1995. Figure 4.10.10, pg. 682.

Kehinde Wiley, Portrait Bust of Cardinal Richelieu, 2009. Figure 4.8.4, pg. 652 .

In a well-written essay, address the following questions:

How does each artwork relate to their theme? Do they express similar approaches to their subject matter and content? If the themes are the same, explain how they relate in that manner. If they fall under different themes, what sort of comparisons can you make? (all options will have some sort of similarity)
What are the key similarities and differences in the public values expressed in each painting? Does the pair you’ve selected address similar societal concerns? Are those societal concerns the same because of context (time, location), or do they share a universal societal or political concern (i.e. the Colosseum and Ise Jingu)?
Discuss the visual organization of each painting. How does each artist utilize the elements and principles of design to support the content they wish to express?
Conclude by comparing how effectiveness of these visual choices in conveying the thematic content. Are the artists (if known) equally successful at conveying their chosen message?

Expectations:

Essays should be 4 double-spaced pages (1000 words; include word count on the last page). Shorter papers typically do not offer sufficient analysis or supporting evidence to establish your conclusions.
Written in Chicago style
Specialized vocabulary – both terms from class, and terms that demonstrate your understanding of the elements and principles of design – should be employed where appropriate throughout the paper.
In the introduction, be certain to identify each artwork by artist, title (in italics), and date.
Papers should be clearly organized, and adhere to standard rules of English grammar and spelling.

Due Date: July 11, 11:59pm

Value: 150 points

Submission: Submit as a pdf on Brightspace

Visual Arts Awareness Name: _________________

Comparative Analysis: Evaluation Rubric

Points	Aspect	Excels	Strong	Satisfactory	Weak	Absent
Introduction
5	Identifies art object with artist, title, date and accession number
20	Basic description of each artwork, and its context/theme
15	Well-developed thesis
Body of Paper
30	Research: Information is relevant to topic and paper correctly interprets art historical facts. Sources used are scholarly and show a range of research.
30	Depth and Comprehension of Content: Demonstrates comprehension of material and articulates relationship between materials and the cultural, religious, political, social, or economic circumstances of their production
20	Overall meaning of work: Demonstrates original discussion, contribution of own ideas and opinions.
20	Uses specialized vocabulary appropriately
10	Clear organization of content
Formatting (MLA or Chicago)
subtract	Citations to written sources use Chicago Style format
Writing Basics
subtract	Typed; no spelling or grammar errors
subtract	Word count included

Grade: ________ / 150 points