Prompt:
For you midterm, I would like you to write an essay exploring the developments of Western art from the Proto-Renaissance through the Baroque. This discussion should include changes in style, subject matter and/or function and how the historical context contributed to these changes.
Your essay should include in-depth analysis of at least 3 artworks discussed in class, from at least 3 different periods (i.e. they can’t all be from High Renaissance artworks). You do not have to address all 8 periods we have covered in class. The periods discussed in your essay will depend on your specific thesis about the artistic developments. (Periods are: Proto-Renaissance, Early Renaissance in Italy, Early Renaissance in Northern Europe, High Renaissance, Later Renaissance in Italy (Mannerism), Late Renaissance in Northern Europe (Reformation), Baroque Art in Italy and Spain (Counter-Reformation) and Baroque Art in Northern Europe (Protestant Dutch Republic).
A good essay will:
have a clear thesis explaining what we will learn about the art of these periods from looking at the specific images you have chosen to discuss
have a logical selection of images that are clearly related to your thesis (think about why you would include each image, what does it add, how does it support your thesis. If it doesn’t relate to your thesis, then you shouldn’t pick it)
compare and contrast your chosen images (make sure to actually say things like, similar to the previous image, unlike the image discussed above, etc. to signal to the reader the connections between the pieces that you are trying to make and not leaving it up to the reader to make the connections).
include specific references to visual aspects of the artworks to support your analysis (i.e. don’t just say the artwork is more naturalistic, say where and how this can be seen in the artwork)
link the historical context to style and subject matter of the artworks (i.e. don’t treat these as unrelated concepts, they are interconnected)
utilize specific art historical vocabulary and point out how it can be seen (i.e. don’t just say it has linear perspective, explain what that means through an explanation of how it can be seen in your image)
Your midterm should be written in essay format, including:
an introduction setting the scene with a clear thesis and include the titles and artists’ names of artworks you will be using as evidence
body paragraphs analyzing the artworks and linking your analysis to your thesis
a conclusion bringing together your argument and main points
and should be at least 450 words, double-spaced, 12pt font.
Sources/Citation:
Any information in your essay should come from my lectures, PowerPoints, the textbook and/or your assigned readings. If you use the textbook or assigned readings, please cite them in this way (author’s last name, pg#) with the specific page number you referenced. For example, (Kleiner, 100). You do not need to cite my lectures or PowerPoints (unless quoting me exactly). I know what I said 🙂
No other sources are allowed, i.e. if you look on Wikipedia or another website, it will be considered cheating and will result in a zero. This includes non-assigned Khan Academy videos–if it’s not one of the links in our Module, don’t use it. This is about showing me what you have learned from our class, not how good your googling skills are.
