The assignment requires a critical essay analyzing three different works of art from the same period and style, chosen from 1600 to the present. The essay must include a thesis statement, descriptions of the artworks, discussions about the artists, and a comparative analysis. Research is mandatory, with proper APA citations and references included in the final submission, which should also feature images of the chosen artworks.

1. Research Assignment: Critical Essay
For this assignment, you will be required to complete a critical
essay about 3 different works of art from the same period and
style. Selected works of art must be chosen from the 1600s to
the present (Baroque period through the Postmodern period).
The goals of a critical essay are to evaluate and analyze the
works of art based on research using the terms, phrases, and
concepts that you have learned throughout the course. The
critical aspect of the essay refers to a detached (objective)
attitude, not whether you react positively or negatively to the
works. Research is required.
Your 3 art choices must comply with the following criteria:
The 3 artworks chosen must be of the same style or time period.
The 3 artworks must be by different artists.
Choose from the following styles of art (dated 1600 to present):
Baroque
Rococo
Romanticism
Neoclassicism
Realism
Impressionism
German Expressionism
Cubism
Abstract Expressionism
Surrealism
Pop Art
Minimalism
Contemporary Art

2. The 3 works of art must have a similar theme. Some examples
include the following:
Landscapes
Works that focus on religious content
Portraits
Works of political content,
Works of modern architecture
Nudes
Works depicting women and children
Two of the artworks must be from artists that are discussed in
the textbook.
Note:
If you choose a work of art that is not from the textbook, the
artist must be discussed in the text. Begin your search by
reviewing artists in the text. Then, you can search other Internet
sources for his or her other works of art.
Writing the Critical Essay
Use the following as a guide to help you write your critical
essay:
Begin with a thesis statement.
Include an introduction that lists the 3 artworks (author and date
of work) and explains the style and the theme of the artworks.
Discuss why you chose these 3 works of art.
Describe each work of art by explaining the following (do not
simply list the information):
What are the materials used?
What is the size?
What is the subject matter? (What is literally depicted?)
What is the focal point?
What is the content? (What is the meaning or message?)
What are the dominant colors?
Is there symbolism? If so, what does it represent?

3. What are the defining characteristics of the particular style?
Discuss the artists.
Include a summary of the artists' personal philosophies of art
and the prevailing trends and schools of thought in the art world
at the time.
Was the artist reacting to events of the time period?
Include any information that might help the reader understand
the artist's point of view or why the artist made his or her
choices in this work of art. You may want to find a quote from
the artist that explains his or her philosophy.
Discuss the context of the artwork.
Explain how each work of art fits into the context of the time
period.
What was going on at the time?
Did this influence the artist?
Elaborate on the historical events of the time to indicate how art
and culture are interwoven.
Complete a comparative analysis, focusing on the following
criteria:
Subject matter:
What is actually depicted? How are they different?
Content or meaning:
How are they different?
Symbolism:
What are the differences in each work, if any?
Aesthetic issues:
What makes them different in terms of form, materials, or
overall artistic expression?
End with a conclusion.
Briefly summarize the information, and explain the significance
of the 3 works that you chose. Include your personal overview.
Research is required. In text citations are required. A list of
references to align with the citations is required.
You will need to use the library to learn about the artists. In the

4. library, complete the following steps:
Click "Find Articles and Books"
Search for the artist's name, the time period or art movement, or
the title of the work of art.
Click "Find Web Resources."
Click "General Studies."
Click "Art."
Your final submission should include the following:
A cover page
A fully developed critical essay with an introductory paragraph
(with a thesis statement), a body, and a conclusion
A list of references to align with in-text citations
Images of the 3 works of art that you chose
You are required to comply with APA style format for
quotations, internal citations, and references. For additional
information and resources on APA, visit the APA section of the
Library, available under Library Features.
This assignment will also be assessed using additional criteria
provided
here
.
Please submit your assignment.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web
resources, and all course materials. Please refer to the following
multimedia course material(s):