Visual Anaalysis

GUIDE TO METHOD OF VISUAL ANALYSIS Three layers of visual analysis can be used to understand a work of material culture in its historical context. A core argument for an interpretation is formed from an analysis of visual language, which in turn is derived from a description. Essays comparing two or more monuments minimize description in order to emphasize analysis and interpretation. 1. Description = pure description of the object without value judgments, analysis, or interpretation. It answers the question, "What do you see?" Among various elements that constitute a description are:
• form of art whether architecture, sculpture, painting or another art form • medium of work such as clay, stone, steel, paint, etc., and technique (tools used) • size and scale of work (relationship to person and/or size context) • identification of figures, objects, scenes depicted • description of line, contour, shape, plane, and volume, figure pose and gesture • spatial relationships among shapes and volumes within composition • description of color and color scheme = palette • description of surface texture (the objects depicted in the work or the surface of the work itself) • context of object: original physical location or find place and date

2. Analysis = considers how an artist or architect uses visual language to convey ideas. It answers the question, "How did the artist create and manipulate form to reveal meaning?" Among various elements that constitute analysis are:
• evaluation of specific medium(s) and artistic process used to communicate ideas • identification of light source and analysis of use of light and shade within the work • role of color, e.g., contrasting, warm, cool, symbolic, etc. • use of motifs, conventions, formulas, canon of proportions, figure pose, gesture • spatial relationships among shapes and volumes within composition • analysis of the principles of design or composition, e.g., stable, repetitious, rhythmic, symmetrical, harmonious, geometric, chaotic, horizontal or vertically oriented, etc. • treatment of space and landscape, both real and illusionary (including use of perspective), e.g., compact, deep, shallow, naturalistic, random • perceptions of balance, proportion and scale (relationships of each part of the composition to the whole and to each other part) • analysis of axis/path/movement in the composition • character of subject matter derived from iconographic elements, e.g., historical event, symbolism, metaphor, analogy, allegory, mythology, typology, etc. • relationship between observation of nature and use of abstraction • expression of mood • analysis of spatial relationship between viewer and object

3. Interpretation = establishing the broader context for a work of art or architecture and the contribution to the history of art. It answers the question, "How does it satisfy viewer/cultural expectations (in terms of historical circumstances--such as political, social, economic, religious, intellectual values)?" Among various elements that constitute interpretation are:
• main idea, overall meaning of the work = content • meaning directed to specific audience reflected in purpose or function of work • sources or traditions that influenced artist in evolution of pictorial/visual language

updated 8.14.13