2. Introduction
The artist uses a visual language to communicate ideas, beliefs, emotions, and opinions
Content: Subject
Analysis: Finding meaning
Imitation and individual style
Learning from the masters
Developing a unique style

3. Content Content refers to the meaning and the subject of a work of art
Identifying the subject of an artwork:
Representational (one can identify the subject)
Non-objective (unrecognizable subject matter)
Abstraction

4. 1. 161 Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, c. 175 CE
1.161 Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, c. 175 CE. Bronze, 11’6” high. Musei Capitolini, Rome, Italy

5. 1. 162 José de Rivera, Infinity, 1967
1.162 José de Rivera, Infinity, Stainless steel sculpture in front of National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

6. 1.163 Allan Houser, Reverie, 1981. Bronze, 25 x 23 x 13”, edition of 10. Allan Houser Archives

7. Modes of Analysis Iconographic Biographical Feminist Contextual
Psychological
Formal (or visual)

8. Iconographic Analysis
Interprets signs and symbols within an artwork
Historical and religious references

9. 1. 164 Audrey Flack, Marilyn Monroe, 1977
1.164 Audrey Flack, Marilyn Monroe, Oil over acrylic on canvas, 8 x 8’. Collection of the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Tucson

10. Audrey Flack: Photorealism and Vanitas

11. Biographical Analysis
Relates artist’s life and experiences to artwork
Considers gender, race, nationality, and class

12. 1.165 Eva Hesse, Hang-Up, Acrylic, cloth, wood, cord, and steel, 72 x 84 x 78”. Art Institute of Chicago

13. Feminist Analysis
Role of women as:
Artists
Subjects
Viewers

14. 1. 166 Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Grande Odalisque, 1814
1.166 Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Grande Odalisque, Oil on canvas, 35⅞ x 63¾”. Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

15. Contextual Analysis
Interprets artwork based on time and place in which it was made
Considers historical, religious, political, economic, and social factors

16. 1.167 Leni Riefenstahl, still from Triumph of the Will, 1934

17. Psychological Analysis
Considers the mental state of the artist when the artwork was being made and uses this to help interpret the work

18. 1. 168 Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942. Oil on canvas, 33⅛ x 60”
1.168 Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, Oil on canvas, 33⅛ x 60”. Art Institute of Chicago

19. Formal Analysis
Considers the elements and principles used by the artist
Elements of art: line, shape, form, mass, volume, color, texture, space, time and motion, and value
Principles of art: contrast, balance, unity, variety, rhythm, emphasis, pattern, proportion, and scale

20. 1.169 Diego de Silva y Velázquez, Las Meninas,
c Oil on canvas,
10’5¼” x 9’¾”. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

21. 1.170 Detail of Diego de Silva y Velázquez, Las Meninas

22. What Is the Meaning of Las Meninas?
Velázquez used Las Meninas to show his importance as a painter and his intimacy with the royal family

23. Diego Velázquez: Las Meninas

24. Imitation and Individual Style
Artists often train themselves by studying and copying earlier masterpieces
By referring to earlier masterpieces in new artworks, artists associate themselves with other artists who preceded them
By studying other artworks, artists may learn how to differentiate themselves

25. 1. 171 Picasso, Las Meninas, first in a series, 1957
1.171 Picasso, Las Meninas, first in a series, Oil on canvas, 6’4⅜” × 8’6⅜”. Museo Picasso, Barcelona, Spain

26. Comparison
Compare the original Las Meninas by Velázquez with the reinterpretation by Picasso

27. 1. 172 Thomas Struth, Museo del Prado 7, 2005
1.172 Thomas Struth, Museo del Prado 7, Chromogenic print, 5’⅞” × 7’2”

28. Conclusion
Artworks can be representational or non-objective; the degree to which they are non-objective is based upon the level of abstraction
Best interpretations are based on synthesis of several modes of analysis
Artists often look to earlier artists for inspiration

29. For a video that uses formal analysis, watch:
Thomas Cole: The Oxbow

30. Sandro Botticelli: The Birth of Venus
For a video that uses formal and contextual analysis, watch:
Sandro Botticelli: The Birth of Venus

31. Vincent van Gogh in His Own Words
For a video that uses biographical and psychological analysis, watch:
Vincent van Gogh in His Own Words

32. Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts
This concludes the PowerPoint slide set for Chapter 1.10
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts
By Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, M. Kathryn Shields
Copyright © 2011 Thames & Hudson

33. Picture Credits for Chapter 1.10
1.161 iStockphoto.com © Andia/Alamy Allan Houser archives © Cliinde LLC Collection University of Arizona Museum of Art, Tucson, Museum purchase with funds provided by the Edward J. Gallagher, Jr Memorial Fund © the artist The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Arthur Keating and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Morris by exchange, April © The Estate of Eva Hesse. Hauser & Wirth. Photo Susan Einstein, courtesy The Art Institute of Chicago Musée du Louvre, Paris Courtesy Archiv LRP The Art Institute of Chicago, Friends of American Art Collection, Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid © Succession Picasso/DACS, London © 2012 Thomas Struth