Compare Francisco Goya, The Third of May, 1808 (Romanticism) and Pablo Picasso, Guernica, 1937 (Cubism)
Formal Qualities:
• Discuss the visual organization of each painting. How does each artist utilize the
elements and principles of design to support the content they wish to express?
• What style is each artwork and how does the artwork reflect the style? For example, if
the work is created in the cubist style, what hallmarks of cubism does the work exhibit?
Contents:
• In what context was each piece created? If the piece represents a historical event,
explain the event.
• How does the style in which the artwork was created help convey the content of the
piece, as well as the artist’s intention?
• Refer to the section below on Notes and Recommendations for some tips on writing
on both of the specific options.
Theme:
• How does each artwork relate to their shared theme?
• Conclude by comparing how effectiveness of these visual choices in conveying the
thematic content. Are the artists are equally successful at conveying their chosen
message?
Expectations:
• Essays should be 4 double-spaced pages (or at least 1000 words; include word count
on the last page). Shorter papers typically do not offer sufficient analysis or
supporting evidence to establish your conclusions.
• Specialized vocabulary – both terms from class, and terms that demonstrate your
understanding of the elements and principles of design – should be employed where
appropriate throughout the paper.
• In the introduction, be certain to identify each artwork by artist, title (in italics), and date.
• Papers should be clearly organized, and adhere to standard rules of English grammar
and spelling.
• Sources should be scholarly. You may not use Wikipedia, The Art Story, Smartstory,
Khan Academy, Britannica, or other encyclopedic/generalized sources. You may utilize
databases on the library website, as well as books. If you have any doubts about
whether your source is appropriate, feel free to reach out to me.
• Students should use MLA to cite their sources. You should include BOTH a
bibliography, as well as in-text citations
First look into what historical events the two paintings are
depicting. Then, research the styles of the piece. Consider how Goya’s piece reflects the goals
of Romanticism and how Picasso’s is emblematic of Cubism. Spend a portion of your paper
asking why each artist would use these styles to depict acts of violence and if they are successful
in doing this. How do these qualities of the work compare? In what ways are the artist’s
approaches different and in what ways are they the same?
