Research papers, but they should be careful to analyze their objects of study in ways that are historically and theoretically appropriate—formal analysis is not simply subjective interpretation.

History of Art 240
Introduction to Modern Art

Third Writing Assignment

Due April 30

2 pages

The final writing assignment will be exactly like the previous two, with the exception that in this instance you are asked to write about a work that has not been discussed in class. Additionally, the work that you select should correspond to the period we have covered since the last paper was due: c. 1900-1960. If you choose to write on a work made after 1945 please consult me first. Again, these are not research papers, but they should be careful to analyze their objects of study in ways that are historically and theoretically appropriate—formal analysis is not simply subjective interpretation.

Again, here are the prompt questions from the previous assignments:

Formal analysis examines the individual elements that make up a work. These include the work’s color, texture, shape, size, the materials from which it is constructed, and the way that these elements are composed. What is the effect of these formal elements? Do they create unity or disunity? Harmony or cacophony? How do they address the viewer and what kind of viewer do they pre-suppose and/or construct? How does the arrangement of elements and the process by which the work was made respond to social trends? Do they put in tension a relation between traditional and modern politics? Does this have implications for the idea of the artist? How does the way that the image looks underscore themes of contingency, disenchantment, or political engagement? For further recommendations on formal analysis, you might consult the “visual description” pages of Marjorie Munsterberg’s websites: www.writingaboutart.org.

Give your paper an original title that provides your reader with an immediate idea of the argument to expect in the pages that follow. If you do use outside sources, including the course readings, be sure to cite them using the Chicago Manual of Style guidelines, which can be found online: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html

The paper should be double spaced in Times New Roman font, 12 pt. Submit it as a .doc, .docx, or .txt file to the designated drop box on the D2L site by midnight. Note: please do not submit a .pdf.