art appreciation 4

• The 3 artworks chosen must be of the same style or time period. For example, you can choose oneof the following suggestions:
  • 3 Baroque works of art, or
  • 3 Impressionist works of art, or
  • 3 Abstract Expressionist works of art, etc.
• Your three (3) works of art should have a similar theme. For example: 3 landscapes, or 3 works that focus on religious content, etc. 
• Outof the three works of art by the three (3) artists selected,you must choose at least two (2) works from two artists discussed in the textbook.
• If you decide to choose one work of art that is not from the textbook, the artists must be discussed in the text. Begin your search by reviewing artists in the text. Then you can search other Internet sources for their other works of art.

This project is broken down into two parts.

1. In Unit 4, you will work on the first three bullet points, which are highlighted in bold below, as well as an introduction and conclusion.
2. The “final draft,” will be completed for Unit 5, and will cover the last two bullet points (listed in the Unit 5 Individual Project assignment).

Your final paper will be a 1200–1500 word critical essay about the three works of art you have chosen. The goals of a critical essay are to evaluate and analyze the artworks based on research, using the vocabulary and concepts you have learned. Your attitude should be detached (i.e., your personal opinions are not as important as academic concepts; The “critical” aspect of the essay refers to this detached attitude, not whether you react positively or negatively to the works).

Your essay must include the following points:

1. A description of the works including the style. Describe basic facts, as well as the visual appearance of the work (What does the viewer see? Where are key figures located? What tells us that the work is of a particular style?)
2. A summary of the artists’ personal philosophies of art (if they can be found in published sources), and the prevailing trends and schools of thought in the art world at the time and in the place the artist was working. For instance, discuss what was taking place in each artist’s city, country, and/or church that may have provoked a reaction from the artist or the greater society. 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.
3. An explanation of how the works fit into the context of the time period.
4. Compare the three works in terms of form, content, and subject matter. Using the terminology and concepts that you have learned in the course, explain the similarities and differences in the styles of the works and the context in which they were made.
5. Compare and contrast their aesthetic qualities and symbolic significance, as well as the artists’ points of view. Your personal point of view that you have developed throughout the paper will be summarized here. As with the preceding three sections, you will write in your own words, supported by research.

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B. Required Discussion Board assignment.

On the Discussion Board, post 150–500 words (not including references) arguing your position (either agree or disagree) regarding the following statement:

Social, political, or economic conditions can alter the nature and meaning of art.

• Be certain to support your position with examples that compare and contrast at least two of the following eras: Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism.
• Choose specific examples of artistic achievements from the two eras.
• Examples can be drawn from architecture, painting, printmaking, or sculpture