Formal Analysis (Essay Sample)

Formal Analysis
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Thoroughly define formal analysis and its purpose.
Formal analysis is a form of visual description that focusses on the visual structure; the way elements are arranged and function in a particular composition. In this kind of analysis, the subject is not given much thought, and neither is the historical or cultural context. The essence of formal analysis is to focus the viewer on what they observe and thus base their interpretation of the piece on what is seen.
Describe the similarities and differences between a formal analysis and a description.
Formal analysis is the in-depth description of the work of art. All that then viewer sees is regarded and included in the formal analysis. The viewer then interprets the observations made. In contrast, description merely represent telling about the generalities of the artefact concerning the subject, cultural or historical context and it is meant to evoke the work in the reader’s mind.
Explain what the following phrase denotes, “How does the work mean?”
This is an invaluable question that every art critiques needs to have at the back of their minds while analysing any work of art. It seeks to nurture in students and observers alike the desire and skills of extracting meaning from the work of art, know how art communicates and develop an interpretation that is beyond the literal.
Thoroughly define style as it relates to the discipline of art history and
Style in art is the unique manner that allows for the categorization of works of art or any unique way that a work of art is presented or ought to be presented. Style is based on the visual similarities or differences in pieces of art by the same artist or different artists but with same training, school, period and location.
Give specific examples of various art historical styles and the type of style they represent.
Styles can be divided based on period, country or cultural group and a group of artists. These can further be grouped into early, for example, prehistoric art, middle, for example, gothic, or late for example modern art.
Thoroughly define and give various examples of the form.
The form is the work of art as a whole. It is the various elements that comprise the various elements that constitute it. It is what the viewer sees and attempts to analyse. The form is independent of meanings of the elements.
List the questions Maranci suggests one should consider when interpreting a work of art for each of the below topics
What the painting says to the viewer, use of elements of composition, state the purpose of the piece, relation between subject matter and techniques employed, what is the subjective reaction of the viewer, cultural meaning of the piece, audience of the artist and style used
Critical response to reading
Describe how the readings assisted in your understanding of formal analysis and other art historical terminology.
It equipped me with better art critiquing skills.
Did you find all of the readings useful, why or why not?
I found all the readings helpful because, they are all relevant to art study.
Which reading assisted you the most and why?
The reading on the styles of art was crucial a...