Subject comparison: this essay specifically involves a comparison between two works that deal with the same subject or similar subjects. Much of this essay will be based on your ability to identify the visual differences between the examples you choose, but the essay should include more than your observations. Choose works with distinct similarities, but they may have differing content, media, and/or style.
Remember one important thing when writing a comparative essay: The objective is not to list the similarities and differences between two works but, rather, to reveal, through the comparison, important features and traits of either or both works that would otherwise be lost or obscure. More to the point, the comparison must have a point. Your essay should have a thesis.
1. Make your selections from the Living with Art text on these two assumptions: The works to be compared are alike in at least one way.
The works to be compared are different in at least one way. This may be loosely interpreted, but if you have questions on whether or not an idea/comparison is too far fetched or doesn’t meet requirements reach out to me and we can discuss it!
2. Establish what are the similarities and differences in these two works. There are many, factors that could be considered, here is list of the major ones that are important for comparison. Just remember you dont need to compare everything.
Identity
- Who is the artist or is the artist unknown?
- Are both works by the same artist? If so, were they made at different times in the artistscareer?
- Are you comparing works by different artists, perhaps on the same subject?
- What period or style is it?
- What is the name of the artwork?
- To what culture does it belong?
- Of what material/medium is it made?
- What is its subject matter?
Style
- How big is it? Does its medium affect the quality?
- What are its formal elements (line, color, composition, etc.)?
- Is it abstract, naturalistic, idealistic, realistic, or a combination?
- How is the subject being depicted?
- What is the origin of the style? – Is it a combination of cultural styles?
Function/Symbolism (Often relates to cultural context)
- What was it used for? Why was it made?
- It is sacred or secular?
- Does it communicate a message? Is it asking for something?
- Does it contain symbolism? What does it mean?Cultural Context (Research the historical context of each piece of art. In order to adequately understand any work of art you must understand the circumstances under which it was produced.)
- What was happening historically, politically, socially, religiously, intellectually, and/or economically at the time it was made?
- What were qualities of life at the time and place the piece was made that may have affected its function and style?
- Do historical events or overall aesthetic tastes relate to the image/story depict
Required minimum word count = 1200 words, EXCLUDING: your name, a header if you use one, any footnotes or endnotes, if you need to use them. Your essay must not exceed 1700 words.
Reproductions of the key art works discussed in your essay should be included on a cover page for your essay. The end of your paper should contain citations for these images as well as any other works consulted. Number each picture and refer to the number in your essay. For example: In Leonardos painting, the Mona Lisa (figure 1), we see ….. If you can’t find a good image beyond the one in our book take a picture of the artwork in your book with your phone.
Some of the questions may be possible to answer based on using the textbook and notes from class. If you want or need to do additional research, you must use books, essays, and/or journal articles from a reputable source. The Museum of Modern Arts website is a reputable source, someguyswebsite.com is not. You may use Wikipedia to find other sources on your artist, but it cannot be cited as the source of any information used in your paper. Any ideas you take from the references you use should be documented, using the MLA or Chicago style of documentation. This includes material you take from the textbook and/or class lectures.
After writing a draft, edit your paper for content, accuracy, logic; does it hold up under scrutiny? Then edit for style: clarity, economy of language, avoidance of repetition and empty phrases, correct syntax, spelling, and use of words.
A good way to begin editing is to read your paper aloud to a friend. Does your audience get the point early; follow the argument; understand the method or study and the manner of organizing the material? Is your concluding paragraph conclusive without being repetitive? Does the audience seem interested? Does the language feel natural to you?
Be prepared to edit for clarity and precision and rewrite some sections several times. A short paper is harder to write than a long, rambling one. Proofread your paper and then check the final draft for proofreading errors, misspellings, and misuse of words (spell-check is not enough), forgotten endnotes, misplaced pages. A sloppy result indicates careless preparation and cannot earn a top grade. It will count against you heavily in your grade if your paper is full of typos or mistakes in spelling and
grammar. Do not solely rely on your computer spell-check to proofread your paper for you. It cannot tell the difference in usage between ‘it’s’ and ‘its’, for instance.
Some Additional Notes
Purdue owl is a great source of information on citations for different kinds of media.
When you first mention a work, indicate its date and present location immediately after the title. This is sometimes essential for clarity: for example, Cezanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire (1904-06, Philadelphia Museum of Art) is one of many paintings of this landmark near the artist’s home in Aix-en-Provence.
When you first mention an artist, give his or her full name; afterwards, it is appropriate to use the last name alone – e.g. “Gauguin” or “Nevelson”; not “Mr. Rauschenberg,” but also not “Pablo,” “Georgia,” or “Jackson.”
Your essay should be double spaced with one-inch margins, and written in 12pt Times New Roman Font. Upload all written assignments to Brightspace.
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