Architecture – Monuments – Sculpture — History – Faces Of India. Story of India
Sculpture History Questions
what do I need to write about when comparing 2 sculptures for art history essay?
What kind of themes or relations I need to write about? I also need some tips on how to make a good introduction and conclusion.
I find that my introductions and conclusions, in any essay, usually point out some commonalities and differences between whatever I’m comparing and make a general statement. Perhaps they’re both known for their impact on art history or they were both controversial/revolutionary. Point out their basic stats – who were they made by, when, where…
I would write about the art pieces’ value. This includes their worth, but isn’t limited to art as an economic venture.
Intrinsic – Do the pieces make a statement? What was it when they were made? Is it still the same (are the meanings timeless)? Was it religious? …Personal? …Political?
Materials – Is it important to their meaning (ie, do the materials have to do with the message)? Are the materials themselves valuable? Is it material or sentimental value?
Nationalistic – Many pieces are valued by their country’s people for its pride.
Psychological – What kind of emotions do the pieces make you feel? What reactions do they envoke?
Religious – Many early pieces have an overt religious significance, especially because many artists were funded by the church. What religion? What’s the message? What was the reaction? Was it traditional/conforming to that culture’s religious norms?
You can ask yourself the basic one-word questions if you get stuck:
Who – Who made the piece? How did the person affect the outcome of the piece (where did they work, how old were they, what was their gender, their social status…) Did anyone inspire it? Perhaps it was dedicated to someone, or given as a gift?
What – What is the piece. Define as you see fit, really.
When – When was the piece made? Is its birthday significant to its meaning/message? (Rarely is it not – if you don’t see it right away, DIG DEEPER!)
Where – Where was it made? Is that significant? Think about the economy, the culture, and their values. Also think about the politics – A German piece made in the 1850s is in a much different cultural/political climate than a German piece made in the 1950s.
Why – Why was the piece made? Was it a practice piece or was it meant to convey something?
How – Think about what the person had to do to make the piece and if the process has any relation to the meaning. How did they portray their message? Think about the colors, the posture, its presentation… How were these significant to the success of the piece?
Good luck – and remember, if you get stuck, as yourself a question. Reread your last statement and ask yourself why you introduced it. Read aloud and pretend you’re listening to someone telling you this information, and ask yourself, the reader, a question you would really ask.
