1. Initial Reaction
- What is your first impression of the art work? Describe what you see.
- What does it remind you of?
- How does it make you feel?
- What questions do you have?
- Feel free to elaborate on these questions and explain your thinking process.
o My first impression of the art work is “what is it supposed to mean?” I see a group of people, two are wearing red and the rest are in white. There is an angel above the lady wearing red in the middle and on the right side; there is some sort of angel type thing grabbing the lady wearing white.
o This painting reminds me of dancing in some sort of way. They look like they are dancing in the woods.
o I don’t feel anything from this painting ‘nor any other paintings.
o What is this painting supposed to mean? Why is it important? Why did the artist decide to paint this portrait?
o My thinking process is just wondering what this painting is supposed to mean, I just don’t understand.
2. Analysis
Proportion from the space & form.
Balance from the colour & form.
Movement from the space, form, & shape.
Gradation from the colours & value.
3. Interpret
- What does the subject matter tell you about this artwork?
- What symbols are used, and what do they represent?
- How do you feel when you view this artwork, and why do you feel this way?
- What mood is created by the artwork? How has the artist used the elements and principles to create this mood?
- If the artist was attempting to use an artistic technique, has it been used affectively to help convey meaning?
- The subject matter of this artwork tells me that it was originates in heaven and is drawn down to earth through a sexual desire.
- The symbols that are used are figures of people. Six figures represent six females, two figures represent two male, and one figure represents a blindfolded cupid.
- When I view this artwork, I dont feel anything. The only feeling I get is confusion. No matter how much research I do, I just dont get the understanding to get a feeling from a portrait.
- This painting does not affect my mood at all. So I am not entirely sure what mood it is supposed to trigger.
- Yes, you can see where the artist has attempted to use an artistic skill(s) because, it is so well done. Painting, blending, portioning, sizing, spacing, etc. This artist did a swell job.
4. Cultural Context
- What was happening at this time in history? (politically, socially)
- How did the artist's personal life affect his or her decision to create the artwork?
- How does the artwork relate to other artworks during this time?
- Were there any discoveries or movements that may have influenced the artist?
- Was the artwork revolutionary at the time? How did people appreciate it when it was created?
- In this history of time, Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de' Medici got married and also, his nephew was born.
- The artist's personal life affected his decisions on creating this artwork and others too because his wife died 34 years before he did and he was also charged with homosexuality on a boy.
- This artwork relates to others during this time because they all have beauty, joy, and charm.
- No, there was no discoveries or movements that may have influenced the artist.
- Not entirely sure if the artwork was revolutionary at the time but, the churches would not accept this and other paintings into the church because they were so different than traditional paintings.
- Has your knowledge of the artwork deepened?
- Does this knowledge influence your opinion of the artwork?
- Has the meaning shifted in any way? If not, does this make the artwork less successful?
- Do you think this artist's use of elements and principles has helped the produce a successful artwork that clearly communicates its intended message?
- No, my knowledge of the artwork did not deepen.
- I suppose my opinion has changed ever so slightly. The artwork kind of makes a little sense to me now.
- The meaning did shift for me a little bit. I did not know his wife died 34 years before him or that he was interested in little boys but, all of this does not make the artwork less successful.
- Yes, the artist's use of elements and principles has helped him produce a successful artwork because he used the techniques very carefully and let it all fall into place during his studio time.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that you have taken a look at all the steps of the Critical Analysis process, but there's quite a bit to comment on all at once. I'll do my best to tell you the most important parts.
I think it would help to know how you chose to research the painting. I see that you mentioned a few facts, but I'm not sure where you found them.
Also, a bit more research would probably add some substance to the answers that lacked a bit of detail. For example, in your answer to question 5: "No, my knowledge of the artwork did not deepen" -- do you think it's possible that, if you allowed yourself to read a bit more, maybe you would learn quite a bit more about the artwork?
Another opportunity for learning is shown in your response to question 3: "When I view this artwork, I dont feel anything. The only feeling I get is confusion. No matter how much research I do, I just dont get the understanding to get a feeling from a portrait." If you're confused, wouldn't it be nice to add a bit of clarity? I know that when something confuses me, my curiosity takes over and I try to figure out the problem until I understand it, if possible. In this case, by reading and researching, your feeling of confusion would be replaced by confidence and knowledge.
If you would like me to walk you through an exploration of this artwork, please let me know. I'd love to help!