Art and Art History

Overview │Forms of Analysis │ Critical Terms │Getting Started

Sample Papers │Citation Style

An Overview
Writing for Art and Art History is most often critical analysis. Papers generally follow the
traditional format for an analytical essay: intro with thesis, body paragraphs in support of the
thesis, and a conclusion. Include a topic sentence for each paragraph, and keep your thoughts
clear and concise. The writing should state its intention, and then work slowly to prove said
intention to the reader. Since this writing is critical analysis, all claims should be supported by
evidence.

There are several different types of writing in Art and Art History. Formal analysis is a study of
the principles and elements of art. Stylistic analysis is a study of the art object in the context of
the stylistic period in which it was created. Patronage analysis explores the effects of a patron on
an art object, as well as that object’s personal history. Iconographic analysis is the study of the
content of the images and their symbolic associations. Theoretical analysis/criticism looks into
social and historical contexts of the piece and their implications for interpretation.

Avoid sweeping generalizations and assuming authority on the topic. For example, instead of
saying “the Laocoon is an amazing and awe-inspiring masterpiece in the time period,” say, “the
Laocoon’s command of form, use of dramatic movement and strong diagonal form makes it a
masterpiece of its time period.” Pay close attention to the definitions of the elements and
principles of art. These terms and their definitions can be the building blocks for your critical
essay, adding a level of sophistication and understanding when used properly. Be aware of
subtle differences in meaning, which can often lead to their misuse (e.g. color and value, or
shape and form. Read and reread the definitions before including them in your writing!

Forms of Analysis
There are several types of analysis in both art and art history writing. Formal analysis is used
predominately in writing for studio classes. Stylistic, patronage, and iconographic analyses are
used predominately in writing for art history classes. Theoretical analysis is used in both of
these disciplines. Below is a brief description of all of the styles, along with some tips and tricks
for the writing process.

Formal Analysis:
Formal analysis breaks down the use of the Elements of Art (see terms below—line, shape,
space, value, color and texture) and the Principles of Art (see terms below—unity, harmony,
balance, rhythm, contrast, dominance, gradation). It looks closely also at composition and the
Attributes of Art (emotional, esthetic, spatial). It is an in-detail description of how each of the
elements and principles are used in the art object. This type of writing is often inductive. This
means that you will begin with a detailed description of the art object, using the critical terms
(see terms below) and eventually conclude with what makes this piece a successful or
unsuccessful one. In Art, this type of writing is typically used for peer or personal review. In
Art History, this is most often used as a means of analysis for more well-known works. Formal
analysis is all about transferring visual language into written language, one of the skills required
of art historians; think of this as an exercise in communication.

Stylistic Analysis:
Stylistic analysis discusses an object in the context of its stylistic period (i.e. Renaissance,
Hellenistic, Modern). Most often this will be a comparison of two objects from similar or
different time periods. Focus on the characteristics of the established time period: How does this
art object fit into its established time period? How does it differ from contemporary art objects?
What was going on during the time it was created? How was it received by the public? This type
of paper allows for a look at broader historical and social contexts as opposed to only the art
object itself. If the art piece differs from the norm of the time, explore why and look into how
this piece could have improved the science of its contemporaries. This is a look into larger
historical trends.

Patronage Analysis:
Patronage analysis is an examination of the experience of an art object. Look at the influence of
a patron (the one who purchases the art) and what this says about the life of the artist during this
time period. In what time period/movement was the art object created? What was the intention
of the art object (personal, public, religious)? Track the history of an object before it came to a
museum, and its significance in history. Do not neglect the effect of the patron’s status, religion,
or political stance on the piece.

Iconographic Analysis:
This is a study of the content of images and symbols, as understood by art historians. These
images are often religiously based but can also be culturally based. Look at this in a broader
social context of the time. Do not be afraid to compare the imagery to that used in objects with
like subjects. What is the intention behind the symbols? How is this influenced by the patron?
What is the context of the piece? What does the setting say about the objects themselves? Look
into the history of those things which the objects represent. Does an understanding of the icons
provide new meaning to and/or understanding of the piece?

Theoretical Analysis and Criticism:

This type of analysis is not about the art object itself but instead about its social and historical
circumstance. Consider what this piece is saying about the social, economic, religious, gender
and/or cultural contexts at the time. Explore these topics, using critical theory as a framework
for the analysis. There are many art theorists. Read up on the literature surrounding the piece
and its time. Is there further intention than aesthetics? If there is no further intention, what does
that say about the piece? Consider the applied ontology (how the medium is used with a specific
intention i.e. painting a portrait) of the medium versus the physical ontology (the study of what
the medium is and what it does i.e. acrylic paint is powder pigment suspended in water based
medium, which later dries like plastic).
 List of Critical Terms
One of the most difficult parts about writing in art and art history is commanding the language.
Many of the terms have extremely specific and intertwined definitions. Therefore, using the
correct terminology is important to building an accurate analysis of any piece. Below is a list of
critical terms to get you started. The Elements and Principles of Art are the building blocks of
any critique or analysis in art. Be sure to pay close attention to the subtle differences in each
definition. If you are stuck on where to begin, try looking at the subject of your paper and
describe it using the Elements and Principles of Art.

Elements of Art:
 Line - Lines define the edges of objects in art pieces. Take note of their shape and
thickness.
 Shape - Shapes are formed from the meeting of lines and the enclosing of areas in two-
dimensional space.
 Form - Form is the three-dimensional partner to shape. Essentially it is shape with value
in order to give it a third dimension. (The art object does not need to be three-
dimensional in order for form to be discussed.)
 Space - Space is an empty place or surface in or around a work of art. Space can be two-
dimensional, three-dimensional, negative and/or positive. Negative space is the space
which no object is occupying (e.g. a blank background in a photograph). Positive space
is the space that an object occupies (e.g. the space an apple occupies on your counter).
 Color - Color refers to the hue and intensity of the colors of the art object. It may also
refer to the value, or the darkness, or the color. Note that tint and saturation are also to be
considered. Hue is the name of the color on the color wheel. Value is the lightness or
darkness of the color present, how black or white it is. And Intensity is the brightness or
dullness of a color.
 Value – The lightness or darkness of the color. Value is often used to denote form and
space.
 Texture – The use of, or illusion of, different textures, such as metal, wood, or fabric, in
an art object.

Principles of Art:
 Rhythm – This is the creation of visual rhythm by repeating specific elements throughout
a piece, even using patterns.
 Movement – This is the flow through a composition. Look to lines and contrast in the
piece. Focus on how the viewer reads the visual aspects of the art object.
 Pattern – The repetition of a line, shape or color over and over again.
 Balance – This can be symmetrical or radial. It is created through visual weight in the
piece. Balance can be both formal and informal.
 Variety – Often used to draw your eye to a focal point, variety is created by something
that differs from the rest of the composition.
  Emphasis – This is used to make certain parts of the artwork stand out. This can be done
with techniques with line, value, shape, and pattern. This can also be interpreted as a
focal point.
 Harmony – Brings together a composition through similar elements.
 Unity – How all of the parts of a piece function together to create a whole.

Getting Started

This section will be coming in the future.

Sample Papers

This section will be coming in the future.

Citation Style

Although there is no standard for citation in art and art history writing, Chicago style is most
commonly used. So why cite sources? When utilizing or referencing anyone else’s intellectual
material, proper citations are the best way to avoid plagiarism. Intellectual material should be
accredited to its original thinker. Keep in mind that not everything needs to be cited during this
process. If something is considered general knowledge to the audience to whom you are writing
(Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa), the information does not need to be cited. If the
information is a more specific claim that supports your argument (such as the Mona Lisa is said
to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini), it needs to be properly cited.
Chicago style can either be done in footnotes or with in-text citations and a bibliography.

The format for footnotes or endnotes

1. Contributors’ Name, “Title of Resource,” Publishing Organization/ Web Site Name in Italics,
last edited date, website.

Bibliography

Name, Contributer 1, Contributer 2 Name, and Contributor 3. “Title of Resource” Publishing

Organization/ Website. Last Edited Date.

In-text Citation

(Contributors’ Surnames, year of publication, page or section number when available)

There is additional information for how to properly cite sources available on the following
websites. Keep in mind that if you use sites that automatically cite information for you, such
as EasyBib or Zotero, this information is not always guaranteed to be correctly formatted.
Always make sure to double check these sources before submitting your bibliography.

UVM Libraries:
http://library.uvm.edu/guides/citation/chicago.php

Purdue Owl:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/02/