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.