First Writing Assignment Object Visual Analysis

January 11, 2021

https://q.utoronto.ca/courses/135642/assignments/273355 1/6
First Writing Assignment – Object Visual Analysis
Due Jan 29 by 11am Points 15
Detail: Sight from the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries Paris, ca. 1500. Tapestry, millefleurs style. Musée de Cluny.
VPHB74 First Writing Assignment Object Visual Analysis
Due: in-class on Wednesday, 29 January, 2020 Length: 3-4 pages (1.5 spacing if using MSWord)
Art historians must develop strong skills in visual analysis in order to understand and interpret
visual culture. This assignment will provide you with an opportunity to observe, analyze and
communicate your observations and analysis.
Congratulations! For this assignment, you will be undertaking a quest, out in the field, using only your wits
and keen observation skills to survive. THIS MEANS YOU MAY NOT USE THE INTERNET (or any other
sources of information! Use only your eyes and your own brain). You will need to make a visit to the Art
Gallery of Ontario or to the Royal Ontario Museum (see directions below).
NB Please read the Gallery Guidelines for appropriate behaviour before your visit:
https://ago.ca/visitor-information/gallery-guidelines (https://ago.ca/visitor-information/galleryguidelines)
2020/1/22 First Writing Assignment – Object Visual Analysis
https://q.utoronto.ca/courses/135642/assignments/273355 2/6
https://www.rom.on.ca/en/visit-us/visitor-info/visitor-policies (https://www.rom.on.ca/en/visit-us/visitorinfo/
visitor-policies)
INSTRUCTIONS – you must complete all of the steps of this assignment:
You will choose ONE (1) of the objects listed below and write a short (3-4 page) visual analysis paper about
that object, doing your best to answer the following questions about that object. You may NOT choose an
object that is not present on this list.
1. Please give a brief (1-2 short paragraphs) description of the object. In your description, please use
precise reports of the formal elements, which includes items such as size, use of space and line, texture,
and colour of the object, as well as the materials that were used to make this object. Use appropriate
vocabulary to help you be as precise as possible (see Sylvan Barnet, mentioned below).
Please use specific examples of details from the artwork to support your statements – for example, the
painting contains roughly textured brushstrokes in the landscape background, and smooth brushstrokes
in the figures’ costumes
I strongly recommend reading the section on visual analysis in Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing
About Art (on reserve in the UTSC Library).
2.
Please describe the subject displayed in your chosen artwork. What or who is being depicted? You don’t
have to know the exact subject but can provide an accurate description of who or what is there, and what
they are doing i.e. a woman sitting on a throne. Then analyze this information: how do the formal
elements help you look at this image? Where and how has the artist(s) used line or colour or texture to
draw your attention or to create contrast? How did the artist use size or scale to help you recognize what
are important areas of focus? Remember – do not attempt to look up information – this assignment only
focuses on what you see in front of you. Please use specific examples of details from the artwork to
support your statements.
3. Please discuss for whom you think this object was made: was it intended for a large audience, or is it
meant to be a small private object? Explain fully why you have made this decision. Please use specific
examples of details from the artwork to support your statements.
4.
Please discuss the possible function(s) of this object: it is meant to be seen just as it is displayed? Do
you think it was meant to be part of a larger group of objects? Explain fully why you have made this
decision. Please use specific examples of details from the artwork to support your statements.
5.
Are there any signs or symbols on the object that help you to understand its intended audience and
function? Are there signs or symbols that you do not recognize? Please describe and discuss. Please
use specific examples of details from the artwork to support your statements.
6. How does the way in which this artwork is displayed contribute to – or hinder – your understanding of the
artwork? In other words, do you feel that the museum is using a thoughtful presentation to help viewers
consider the artwork in a variety of ways, or that the presentation in fact prohibits careful viewing? Please
use specific examples of details from the installation of the artwork to support your statements.
2020/1/22 First Writing Assignment – Object Visual Analysis
https://q.utoronto.ca/courses/135642/assignments/273355 3/6
Grading Scheme:
Content: Addresses all of the questions and issues; uses appropriate vocabulary /3 points
Communication: shows clearly organized structure and expression of ideas / 2points
Analysis: examines structure of object and creates meaningful understanding of how the various formal
elements are used /5 points
Synthesis: presents coherent interpretation of ideas and derives potential conclusions as to why the artist
used the formal elements in this manner and what effects they have upon the viewer /5 points
Total: /15 points
Additional comments:
Art Gallery of Ontario
http://www.ago.ca (http://www.ago.net/visit)
Free admission for everyone under 25 years of age – but you must show valid I.D.
OBJECT LIST (CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING):
Please look at the AGO gallery map to determine where these objects are located:
https://ago.ca/visit/gallery-map (https://ago.ca/visit/gallery-map)
Main floor, European Art – Thomson Galleries
1. Flemish, Double-Sided Comb: Elderly Women Brought to the Fountain of Youth. Around 1500
Ivory, Overall: 15.2 x 16.9 x 0.6 cm (6 x 6 5/8 x 1/4 in.)
AGOID: 29326
Location: AGO, Gallery 108 Thomson European, South Wall, Case, West Section