Lecture 2 / How to Look and Talk Like an Art Historian

Question 1

Formal Analysis:

Answer 1

The method of understanding an artwork’s form by identifying its
characteristics such as; medium used, formal elements, and principles of design.

Question 2

Close-looking:

Answer 2

Carefully examining an artwork.

Question 3

Contextual Analysis:

Answer 3

The method of understanding an artwork by considering it in
relation to its relevant context, whether historical, religious, social, and so forth.

Question 4

Medium:

Answer 4

The materials used in an artwork.

Question 5

Line:

Answer 5

Path traced by the movement of a single point.

Question 6

Shape:

Answer 6

The external form of an object or figure.

Question 7

Contour:

Answer 7

Thick/dark lines that outline and define a form.

Question 8

Pattern:

Answer 8

Recurring arrangements in an artwork.

Question 9

Texture:

Answer 9

The surface quality of an artwork that can be physically felt or perceived.

Question 10

Point of View:

Answer 10

The implied position of the observer generated within the artwork.

Question 11

Naturalism:

Answer 11

The realistic depiction of objects/figures in a natural setting.

Question 12

Expressionism:

Answer 12

The distortion and non-naturalistic appearance of characters,
colors, shapes, or space within an artwork to depict specific emotions.

Question 13

Composition:

Answer 13

The organization of elements in a work of art.

Question 14

Subject Matter:

Answer 14

The subject of an artwork.

Question 15

Volume:

Answer 15

Mass or three-dimensional shape.

Question 16

Idealized:

Answer 16

A depiction that is more beautiful and perfect than the actual subject.

Question 17

Floorplan:

Answer 17

A diagram showing the arrangement of a building’s: spaces, walls, and
passages on a given floor.

Question 18

Courtyard:

Answer 18

A space that is not entirely indoors or outdoors, and allows in light and
air while keeping out noise and prying eyes.

Question 19

Palette:

Answer 19

a) An artist’s choice of colors.
b) The tray, board, or surface on which an artist mixes colors of paint.

Question 20

Hue:

Answer 20

Color, regardless of saturation or modulation.

Question 21

Ornamentation:

Answer 21

Applied embellishment on buildings/objects.

Question 22

Self-portrait:

Answer 22

An artist’s depiction of their self.

Question 23

Non-representational:

Answer 23

Art that contains no visual representations of figures or
objects.

Question 24

Abstract:

Answer 24

Simplification, exaggeration, or otherwise deviating from natural
appearance.

Question 25

Ideas & Concepts:

Answer 25

 Art History revolves around meaning and significance of art.
 There are two forms of analysis: Formal and Contextual Analysis.
 Observations lead to Questions that lead to Interpretations

Question 26

Women with Dead Child by Kaethe Kollwitz:

Answer 26

Characteristics:
- The artist uses expressionism and naturalism in the painting.
- The artist uses expressionist techniques to express the emotion of grief and loss in a
naturalistic way. However, the melted face of the woman is not naturalistic.
- The artist used contour lines to creates emphasis, highlight the form, and create weight.

• The artist also used soft-ground etching with engraving.
• The artwork is printed in black and overworked in green and gold wash on thick white
  woven paper.
• The time-period in which the image is captured is not shown.
• The artwork has a triangular composition.
• The size of the painting is 42cm x 48cm.

Context:
- The artist is a woman.
- The artwork was created in 1903.
- The painting is currently in the British Museum in London.