Art Analysis Guide: Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting

Comment Model: Works of Art

Architecture

Classification

Type of building in question.

Materials

Construction materials and their aesthetic function.

Title

Title of the work.

Formal Features

  • Type of building, indicating its original function and its current role if it has changed.
  • Analysis of the floor plan and its various parts.
  • Description of materials and construction techniques:
    • Types of coverings (vault, dome, etc.).
    • Columns, pillars, brackets, etc.
    • Doors, doorways, openings, and their function.
    • Decorative elements.
  • Design, space, functions, and symbolism.

Context

Framing the work of art in its historical moment.

Style

Artistic style to which it belongs, indicating (where appropriate) the country of origin, school, or work period.

Timeline

Chronology of the work.

Author

Name the author(s) (if known) and indicate something about their life, work, influences, etc.

Sculpture

Classification

Type of sculpture (in the round, relief, bust, seated, equestrian, etc.) and theme.

Material

Material (stone, bronze, etc.) and technique.

Title

Title of the work.

Formal Features

  • Degree of realism.
  • Anatomical study (proportions) and clothing.
  • Study of contrapposto (diagonal symmetries, motion, etc.).
  • In reliefs: foreshortening, space, perspective, etc.
  • Psychological analysis: facial expression, attitude, and scene analysis (relationships), if applicable.
  • Iconography and function.

Context

Framing the work of art in its historical moment.

Style

Artistic style to which it belongs, indicating (where appropriate) the country of origin, school, or work period.

Timeline

Chronology of the work.

Author

Name the author(s) (if known) and indicate something about their life, work, influences, etc.

Painting

Classification

Type of painting.

Title

Title of the work.

Formal Features

  • Type of representation (religious, mythological, etc.), painting genre (portrait, landscape, etc.), and theme.
  • Technical or pictorial procedure used (fresco, oil, etc.).
  • Pictorial elements used:
    • Line and color (flat, gradation).
    • Light (natural, artificial, chiaroscuro).
    • Perspective.
    • Volume.
    • Composition.
  • Formal analysis:
    • Degree of realism.
    • Anatomical study and clothing.
    • Study of contrapposto.
  • Psychological analysis: facial expression, attitude, and scene analysis (relationships).
  • Iconography and function (note the role of the image in the world that created it).

Context

Framing the work of art in its historical moment.

Style

Artistic style to which it belongs, indicating (where appropriate) the country of origin, school, or work period.

Timeline

Chronology of the work.

Author

Name the author(s) (if known) and indicate something about their life, work, influences, etc.