Guidelines for Art Analysis Essays

Comparison Essay

Goal for 3 points: Identify both works (1 pt), Describe 1 similarity or 1 difference (1 pt), Provide 1 piece of visual or contextual evidence (1 pt).

Comparison Essay Template

"Work A is a [culture/period] work called [title]. Work B is from [culture/period]." "One similarity/difference is ___. This is seen in ___."

Visual/Contextual Analysis

Goal for 3 points: Identify the work (1 pt), Give either 1 visual or contextual detail (1 pt), Explain how it supports the prompt (1 pt).

Visual/Contextual Analysis Template

"This is a [culture] work from [time period]." "It shows [visual detail] which conveys [idea]." "This reflects [context/cultural idea]."

Visual Analysis

Goal for 3 points: Make a claim about meaning (1 pt), Provide 1 visual feature (1 pt), Explain how it supports the meaning (1 pt).

Visual Analysis Template

"The artist communicates [idea] using [element]." "For example, [describe the element]." "This helps the viewer understand ___."

Contextual Analysis

Goal for 3 points: State a contextual idea (1 pt), Provide 1 piece of contextual evidence (1 pt), Explain how it supports the idea (1 pt).

Contextual Analysis Template

"This work reflects [religion/politics/social value]." "It was created for [ritual/patron/purpose]." "This shows [explanation]."

Attribution Essay

Goal for 3 points: Make a plausible attribution (1 pt), Provide 1 visual feature (1 pt), Explain how that feature fits the style (1 pt).

Attribution Essay Template

"This work is likely from [culture/artist] because ___." "It shows [visual element]." "This is typical of [style/tradition] because ___."

Continuity & Change

Goal for 3 points: Describe 1 continuity (1 pt), Describe 1 change (1 pt), Provide basic evidence or reasoning for each (1 pt).

Continuity & Change Template

"One continuity is ___. It's shown in ___." "One change is ___. This happened because ___."