Category: Art history

Descriptively criticize the Last Supper (Figures 3-1 and 3-2). Point out every facet that seems important. Look for shapes that relate to each other, including groupings of figures. Do any shapes stand out as unique–for example, the shapes of Christ and Judas, who leans back fourth from the left? Describe the color relationships. Describe the symmetry, if any. Describe how the lines tend to meet in the landscape behind Christ’s head. The descriptions of Goya’s May 3, 1808 (Figure 2-3) might be helpful.

Make sure that you do not slip into evaluative or interpretive criticism in your essay. Your main focus should be on describing the geometric forms of the painting and its apparent subject matter, not what you have learned about the subject from sources outside of the painting.

Descriptively criticize the Last Supper (Figures 3-1 and 3-2). Point out every facet that seems important. Look for shapes that relate to each other, including groupings of figures. Do any shapes stand out as unique–for example, the shapes of Christ and Judas, who leans back fourth from the left? Describe the color relationships. Describe the symmetry, if any. Describe how the lines tend to meet in the landscape behind Christ’s head. The descriptions of Goya’s May 3, 1808 (Figure 2-3) might be helpful.

Make sure that you do not slip into evaluative or interpretive criticism in your essay. Your main focus should be on describing the geometric forms of the painting and its apparent subject matter, not what you have learned about the subject from sources outside of the painting.

This assignment is designed to enhance your ability to demonstrate deep engagement with the material, moving beyond simple summaries toward critical synthesis.

Objectives: Synthesize key insights from our class discussions and the assigned readings for Weeks 5 and 6.

Requirements:

1. Provide five significant takeaways for each chapter and their corresponding in-class discussions.
2. Formulate three thought-provoking questions that bridge the themes found in the readings with the dialogue from our class sessions.

http://www.zhanghuan.com/index_en.aspx

https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/collection/objects/la-liberte-guidant-le-peuple-20121321/

https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2013/ink-art

https://xubing.com/

This assignment is designed to enhance your ability to demonstrate deep engagement with the material, moving beyond simple summaries toward critical synthesis.

Objectives: Synthesize key insights from our class discussions and the assigned readings for Weeks 5 and 6.

Requirements:

1. Provide five significant takeaways for each chapter and their corresponding in-class discussions.
2. Formulate three thought-provoking questions that bridge the themes found in the readings with the dialogue from our class sessions.

http://www.zhanghuan.com/index_en.aspx

https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/collection/objects/la-liberte-guidant-le-peuple-20121321/

https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2013/ink-art

https://xubing.com/

These two paintings by Monet are of the same cathedral. Though one looks blue and one looks yellow, the stone is the same stone. Think about the differences between the two and speculate what has caused the change in appearance. How might this change the viewer’s reaction to the cathedral? Which do you respond to the most?

Begin your essay with the artist’s name and the title (if known) of the works. Give a good description of each as if the reader of your answer cannot see them. How do the colors of each “cause” a mood that changes depending on the color? Then, in a new paragraph, consider the following questions and respond to each in your answer:

Why was plein-air painting important for Monet? How does the perceptual color affect the mood of each? Is one happier, for example?

Look on the internet for the definitions of the term plein-air painting and the term perceptual color. Use the definitions you find correctly in your answer. Points will be deducted if you merely copy them from the internet and paste them on the bottom of your answer. Include these terms in the body of your answer.

These two paintings by Monet are of the same cathedral. Though one looks blue and one looks yellow, the stone is the same stone. Think about the differences between the two and speculate what has caused the change in appearance. How might this change the viewer’s reaction to the cathedral? Which do you respond to the most?

Begin your essay with the artist’s name and the title (if known) of the works. Give a good description of each as if the reader of your answer cannot see them. How do the colors of each “cause” a mood that changes depending on the color? Then, in a new paragraph, consider the following questions and respond to each in your answer:

Why was plein-air painting important for Monet? How does the perceptual color affect the mood of each? Is one happier, for example?

Look on the internet for the definitions of the term plein-air painting and the term perceptual color. Use the definitions you find correctly in your answer. Points will be deducted if you merely copy them from the internet and paste them on the bottom of your answer. Include these terms in the body of your answer.

These two paintings by Monet are of the same cathedral. Though one looks blue and one looks yellow, the stone is the same stone. Think about the differences between the two and speculate what has caused the change in appearance. How might this change the viewer’s reaction to the cathedral? Which do you respond to the most?

Begin your essay with the artist’s name and the title (if known) of the works. Give a good description of each as if the reader of your answer cannot see them. How do the colors of each “cause” a mood that changes depending on the color? Then, in a new paragraph, consider the following questions and respond to each in your answer:

Why was plein-air painting important for Monet? How does the perceptual color affect the mood of each? Is one happier, for example?

Look on the internet for the definitions of the term plein-air painting and the term perceptual color. Use the definitions you find correctly in your answer. Points will be deducted if you merely copy them from the internet and paste them on the bottom of your answer. Include these terms in the body of your answer.

Once your grade is posted, please view the rubric to see how your answer was graded. There may also be comments within each category of the rubric. The due date for this discussion will populate on the calendar as Monday to allow for your two peer responses, but your answer should be posted by Friday.

Length: ~400 words (approximately one page)

Assignment Overview

Throughout history, figures from the Stone Age, ancient Mesopotamia and Persia, Egypt, and the prehistoric Aegean have been reimagined in contemporary media, including movies, TV shows, graphic novels, and cartoons. These depictions often take creative liberties with historical accuracy, shaping public perception of the past.

For this assignment, you will choose one mythological figure, historical character, or significant place from the time periods we have covered so far (up to, but not including, ancient Greece). Then, you will analyze how this subject has been represented in one piece of modern media. Guidelines & Requirements

1. Choose a Specific Subject

• Your subject must be a specific historical figure, mythological character, or place.
• General categories like “caveman” or “pharaoh” will not be accepted. Instead, choose a specific figure (e.g., Gilgamesh, Hammurabi, Nefertiti) or place (e.g., the Ziggurat of Ur, the Sphinx of Giza).

1. Describe the Contemporary Representation

• Identify the modern media source you are analyzing (e.g., a movie, TV show, graphic novel, or video game).
• Summarize how this figure or place is portrayed in the chosen media.

1. Compare and Analyze

• Discuss what aspects of the contemporary representation are historically accurate.
• Identify inaccuracies or artistic liberties taken.
• Explain why you think these changes were made. Consider factors such as storytelling, audience expectations, artistic choices, or cultural perspectives.

1. Discuss the Cultural Function

• Why do you think this figure or place continues to appear in modern storytelling?
• What purpose does it serve in popular culture? Does it reflect current social, political, or artistic trends?

1. Personal Reflection

• How did this assignment shape your understanding of historical representation in media?
• Do you think these inaccuracies matter? Why or why not?

Citation Requirements

• You must cite your media source and any historical references you use.
• You may use any citation format (MLA, Chicago, APA) or simply provide a web link if applicable.

Formatting & Submission

• Length: ~400 words (approximately one page).
• Style: Thoughtful but personal; formal analysis is encouraged, but personal reflection is allowed.

i want to done of the rock and great mosque of Samarra

For the actual assignment: You must introduce your object (object title, culture of the Ancient Near East, date, medium, any other relevant information) and then write 12 (or more) sentences doing a formal analysis of a work of art. In those 12 sentences, you must identify 6 elements or principles of art, or other vocab words such as “hieratic scale” or “composition.” Some students choose to bold the words they are using and this is helpful for both the writer and the reader. I will grade the vocab portion very generously, you just need to show me that you are thinking about art historical terms and attempting to use them. You must then explain how those vocab words are working in the object you choose and what effect they may have on the viewer.

The paper must be double-spaced, 12 pt font, Times New Roman, with Chicago style footnotes for any of your cited sources.