Mummy Portrait of a Man
(How to write the paper)
- Introduction paragraph with thesis statement – 3 sentences maximum
- 2nd paragraph – describe the subject matter (what you see in detail) + Content (what it means) 4 sentences maximum
- Paragraphs #3 and subsequent paragraphs – describe each element (in detail) and then each principle (in detail)
- Brief concluding paragraph – 3 sentences maximum
**Students MUST write about 1 work of art currently on exhibition at either MFAH or Menil Collection **
Museums to Visit
The critique paper will consist of the following:
Cover Sheet must contains the following on three separate lines (Name, ARTS 1301*section #,
Critique paper)
3 Full Pages, double spaced, utilizing 11point, double-spaced, TimesNewRoman font, 1” margins ONLY
Paper will be stapled, NO Report Covers
Paper will include description and interpretation of (1) work of art from a Houston based museum or gallery (see attached list)
Opening paragraph with a thesis statement
A brief overall description of the work of art and artist/culture if known. Then using the Principles and Elements of Design to examine the artwork in depth.
Complete your paper with your educated interpretation of its importance and meaning
All sources are cited used both within the paper (endnotes/footnotes) and using a works cited or Bibliography page
Paper will include a printed out photo attached to the paper
Paper will include cards, ticket stubs and other support material should be glued or taped to a separate sheet of typing or printer paper and stapled with the report.
Cite the work of art discussed within your paper in the following manner.
a) The artist is unknown. Separate each of the following by commas– list the country, then region (if known), and date (bce or ce). The title is italicized.
Mummy Portrait of a Man, Egypt, Fayum region Roman, 150–200 ce
b) The artist is known. Separate each of the following by commas — name (birth and death dates in parentheses), title in italics, medium, date of work
René Magritte (1898–1967), L’empire des lumiéres (The Dominion of Light), oil on canvas, 1954
What to do at the museum?
Take this paper with you
Take your textbook with you
Take notes regarding the work of art of your choice (Name of artist, title of work, date it was made, culture that made it, materials it is made from and any information that is listed on the placard accompanying the work of art. See Below Questions to help you examine the work of art
Pick up documents (brochure, postcard ticket stub, or sticker) documenting that you visited the museum/gallery.
Questions to help you examine the work
What? What is the work of art about? Is there a narrative? Is the work figural or abstract?
When? What time period or date was the work of art created?
Where? Where was the work of art created? What city, state, country, region was it created?
Why? Why was this work of art created? religious, utilitarian, personal expression, political commentary
How? How was it made? Carved Marble, molded glass, oil paint on canvas
Who? Who made this work? Was it an individual artist or is the artist unknown. For Example, Fernand Léger. Mother and Child, 1951 versus Japanese, Haniwa Warrior, late 6th cent.
Use the Principles and Elements of Design as a guide to write your paper
Terms for understanding art
1) Form = the overall structure of the work
2) Subject matter = what is literally depicted
3) Content = what it means
4) Composition = how elements are organized
Principles and Elements of Design – the building blocks to create a work of art
Elements
a) Line- What type of lines are used in the composition?Thick or thin? Analytical ,Expressive, Implied?
b) Space – How is negative space employed in this work of art?
c) Light and Color – Chiarsoscuro or tenebroso? What role does light play in the work of art?
What colors make up the work? Primary, secondary, analogous, complimentary, arbitrary?
d) Texture – Actual or Visual texture?
e) Pattern – Is a pattern present? What lines, color, shapes, mass are utilized to create the pattern?
f) Time and Motion – How does the work employ a sense of time or movement?
Principles
a) Balance – bilateral, asymmetrical, radial balance?
b) Emphasis and Focal Point – what elements are utilized to create a center of attention?
c) Scale and Proportion – How are scale and proportion created or distorted in this work of art?
d) Repetition and Rhythm – What elements are repeated and create a sense of rhythm
e) Unity and Variety – How are the elements and principles brought together to create a sense of oneness? How does the artist employ elements and principles to create variety?
Grading Rubric for Critique paper– 150 points
_____/ 20 Cover sheet + 3 full pages with 1” margins 11pt Times New Roman Font, double spaced
and paper is stapled using proper grammar and punctuation.
_____/ 20Paragraph 2 contains description of subject matter and context
_____/ 10 Sources have been cited within the body of the paper AND works cited/bibliography page
_____/ 10 Opening paragraph with Thesis statement
_____/ 10 Printed out photograph of artwork attached(black and white image is fine)
_____/ 10 Supporting document from museum visit attached (ticket stub, sticker, receipt, brochure, etc)
______/50Description and interpretation of work of art using Principles and Elements of Design
______/10Work of art is properly documented, title, media, date, culture, etc.
______/10Student has provided an educated interpretation (concluding paragraph) regarding the work of art
_____/150Total points
