HUMN 1201
Dr. Cecile de Rocher
Critical Essay: Image Analysis
Due by 11:59pm on 11/8 in GeorgiaVIEW
Principle
For this assignment, you will write an essay explaining why you like two images. Choose two pieces of art from the list on this sheet. Examine them carefully, and write an essay. Why do you like them? Please focus your comments on the art itself, not on your own self. Use only the lecture materials (PowerPoints, handouts, scripts, films, classroom notes) and the textbook as your sources.
Technique
For the introductory paragraph, explain which images you will discuss, who made them, from what period they come, and what figure numbers they have. Sum up in a sentence what makes you like this artwork. You may use the pronouns I and me, but not you.
Refer to the artist initially by full name, then only by last name (except Italian masters, such as Leonardo). Use italics and capitalization for titles, which you may abbreviate afterwards. (Most ancient and medieval pieces are untitled.)
For the body, discuss 2-3 aspects of the pieces that prompt a positive response. Do not simply explain what the piece depicts. Instead, analyze elements of the art that make it appealing to you. If you have trouble thinking of anything to say, ask me for help. Hint: Talk about the art. Dont discuss yourself too much or overuse the first person (I and me).
Discuss art in present tense: Mary holds the infant Jesus on her lap. If you refer to the Judeo-Christian-Islamic deity, capitalize the G in God. Use at least four (4) vocabulary terms in the essay, and use boldface for these words to help me spot them.
Do use the textbook and make an MLA-style bibliography (Works Cited). You may quote, paraphrase, or summarize, but furnish the page number. In an essay this short, please do not use block quotes. For the conclusion, make some observations about the art or about your reaction to it.
Do not use other sources (including Internet). I will deduct points for any material that comes from a non-class source, and I will report plagiarism to the director of Student Conduct.
Format
Write 500-750 words, double spaced, in twelve-point Times New Roman font. Use the same format (MLA) as usual. Give the essay a good title, but dont underline it, and dont put it in quotes.
Evaluation
Have aesthetics in mind and analyze the art, but do not express at length your personal opinions or feelings. Your reaction to the art must come from the piece itself, and I will evaluate your essay on how well you explain. Use the vocabulary learned in class. Observe the conventions of essay composition: organization, development, sentence structure, spelling, punctuation. Proofread carefully for errors. You may ask me or the Writing Lab faculty any questions about what youve written, but do so before the due date.
1.6 Hall of the Bulls
1.8 Venus of Willendorf
1.32 Statue of Khafre
2.12 New York (Attic) Kouros
2.13 Kroisos (Anavysos)
2.14 Peplos Kore
2.16 Kritios Boy
2.22 Temple of Hera
3.3 Parthenon
3.4 Lapith and Centaur
3.6 Equestrian Group
3.11 Spear Bearer
3.19 Hermes Carrying Infant Dionysus
4.6 Capitoline Wolf
4.19 Atrium, House of the Silver Wedding
4.25 Augustus of Prima Porta
4.27 Pont du Gard (Aqueduct)
4.34 Pantheon
5.2 Citadel at Mohenjo-Daro
5.4 Siva as Nataraja
6.9 Anchor
6.10 Chi Rho
6.11 Good Shepherd
7.4 Christ as the Good Shepherd
7.6 Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
7.10 Hagia Sophia, interior
7.12 View of the Apse in San Vitale
7.13 Emperor Justinian
7.14 Empress Theodora
7.17 Christ Pantocrator
8.15 Mirador in the Alhambra
8.20 Qur’an page
8.21 Mihrab
9.3 Folio verso
9.16 Adam and Eve Reproached by the Lord
9.17 St. Sernin, exterior
9.19 St. Sernin, interior
9.23 Reliquary of Charlemagne
10.3 St. Denis
10.6 Notre Dame de Paris
10.7 Notre Dame de Paris
10.9 Chartres
10.12 Sainte Chapelle
10.22 Scenes from the Life of St. Francis
11.7 Madonna Enthroned, Cimabue
11.8 Madonna Enthroned, Giotto
11.10 Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints
12.2 Giovanni Arnolofini
12.4 Merode altarpiece
12.5 Ghent altarpiece
12.6 Biblia Latina
12.16 David, Donatello
12.17 David, Verocchio
12.18 David, Michelangelo
12.21 The Holy Trinity, Masaccio
12.27 Primavera, Botticelli
12.28 The Birth of Venus, Botticelli
13.3 The Last Supper, Leonardo
13.4 Mona Lisa
13.6 Madonna of the Meadow
13.8 (ABC) Philosophy (School of Athens)
13.9 Pietà
13.11 David, Michelangelo
13.12 Moses, Michelangelo
13.14 Creation of Adam
13.15 The Last Judgement
13.23 Venus of Urbino
13.24 Entombment
13.28 The Last Supper, Tintoretto
13.34 Perseus Holding the Head of Medusa
Cunningham, Lawrence S. et al. Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities. 9th edition. Vol 1. Cengage, 2018.
HUMN 1201: Expressions of Culture
