Analysis of a work of art.

Write a 750-1200 word analysis of a work of art. The focus is on one work of art in which you describe, analyze, interpret, and judge the work. The word Criticism means an “evaluation or analysis of a work of art”. It is not necessarily a negative reaction or complaint about a work of art.
In order to do this assignment, first, read the two chapters in the Final Interlude: Read section. The chapter on How to Substantiate your Ideas discusses using historical and descriptive evidence to build a successful argument in your writing. The chapter on Approaches to Art Criticism by Suzanne Hudson and Nancy
Noonen-Morrissey introduces different ways you can approach writing your art analysis. According to
Hudson and Noonan-Morrissey, these are the major approaches to art criticism (see pp. 11-17 for more
information):
Formalist- Focuses on the rather objective “reading” of the intrinsic qualities of a work of art, such as the
elements and principles
Contextual- Stresses the factors or extrinsic forces of a work of art and the relationship of art in the rest of
the world
Psychoanalytical- Explores the underlying causes of a work of art’s meaning not visible on the surface
Ideological- interpretations of the work of art from a distinct viewpoint
Feminist- focuses on feminist qualities and importance
Multicultural- focuses on issues of ethnicity, racial issues, segregation, pluralism
Marxist- focuses on social and economic issues
Next, choose a work of art on which to write your paper. You may choose to write about a work you've already encountered in the exhibition review, or you may choose an entirely different work. It can be found in an online museum and gallery setting, work from your textbook, or an artwork you have in your possession. If you have a public sculpture in your community, you may also choose to write about that.
Then, plan your art criticism paper. Determine what the paper will be about and what it will emphasize.
Formulate a question to find out (either through research or analysis). This helps to guide your research and/or the thesis of your paper and also helps to make your paper more interesting. Research the topic and take notes, and formulate your thesis (which is the answer to your question). See the Hudson and NoonanMorrissey chapter for examples of writing your thesis.
Write your paper. Outline your paper and organize your notes so they help construct your argument. Make major points, and include counterpoints or counter-arguments. Include the name of the artist, the title of the artwork (titles should be in Italics), where you saw the work, an introduction, main points, and conclusion.
Research may be a significant part of your paper, especially if you choose to write in a contextual,
psychoanalytical, or ideological approach. Please document all sources used (format of your choice) and be sure to include a reference page.