ART 2 • MUSEUM – BASED ESSAY • DUE: MAY 4/5
Suggested Locations* L.A. Country Museum of Art (LACMA) • lacma.org for info.
The Getty Center (Santa Monica) or Getty Villa (Malibu) • getty.edu for info.
The assignment is to write an expository essay that focuses on an interpretation of one artwork using a specific symbol or theme (see examples below). Your interpretation must include an analysis of the subject & style of artwork in relation to the function of the object, as we do in class. (Remember the 4
Steps of Interpretation). Also, you should identify the style characteristics of the period-culture to which it belongs. In the paper you will provide “proof” for identifying style and/or meaning by comparing it to objects in your textbook. This assignment is NOT a “report.” That is, you will not find much information about the artwork at the museum. The point of this paper is to interpret the object based on similarities to other objects that are more “known.” Your interpretation should be made primarily of your own observations in relation to the information provided by the textbook and research you conduct about the artworks’ style, symbolism, cultural context, etc. You must support your observations with facts. Also you must properly cite your sources of information in a works cited list. Consult the articles on writing available on our MyECC teamsite in the Writing Resources folder.
Examples of Symbols: sun, moon, star, flower, halo, cross, tree, horn, offering, body gesture, body type
Themes: hierarchy/status, power, fertility, wealth, health, death, suffering, control of nature, man vs. animal, order, symbolic geometry, portraiture, abstract vs. naturalism/realism
*You may choose ANY culture you like, BUT you MUST choose artwork made before the 15th century (before the year 1400 a.d.) – in other words, the essay must be on an ancient artwork from a period appropriate to this course.
What to do at the museum:
1. Copy all information about the artwork: title, date, period, culture, medium, size, etc. this information should be used in the paper.
2. Make a simple drawing of the art object you choose while at the museum to “map out” the composition. Identify the most important elements. I am not asking you to create an artwork, a simple line drawing (i.e. stick figures) will do. Include drawing in notes.
3. Observe the artwork carefully. Write a short description of the object while you are looking at it.
Include any subject matter, symbolism, and overall content. Make sure to describe the composition.
Consider questions such as: Is it biblical or mythological? Does the object have religious or political meaning? Keep your notes! You are required to attach your drawing and notes to the finished paper. 4. Photograph the artworks if the museum allows photography (usually no flash bulbs are allowed in the museum; use existing light). Include the images in the paper.
5. Document your trip. Include a picture of yourself at the museum with the artwork in your analysis along with a dated receipt, admission sticker or museum statement of attendance. Attach
“proof” to a piece of 8.5 x 11 paper (tape, glue, etc) and attach at back of the essay, after the drawing and notes. Failure to include “proof” will drop your paper one letter grade.

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*note regarding museums: if you are most interested in Classical Antiquity (art of Greece or Rome), then the Getty Villa is the place to go. The Getty Center in Santa Monica still has a few interesting pieces but very limited in selection, it has mostly Medieval Christian art such as medieval illuminated manuscripts and altarpiece paintings (Christian Gothic period art). LACMA is the best place to “shop around” the greatest variety of time periods and cultures, especially “non-western” art.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE PAPER:
1. Identify the artwork and museum first in the Introduction of your essay; suggest your thesis.
2. Description. Remember, you are talking about an artwork and you want your reader to visualize, so describe it as precisely as possible. Move from subject matter & general composition to specific detail.
Be thorough, but concise. It should not take more than 2 paragraphs.
4. Interpretive Analysis: This is the main body of your essay. Explain of how the symbol or theme is used in your chosen artworks. Also explain how the pieces you chose could be understood in relation to other artworks using the same symbol or theme from the textbook. The point is not to compare but rather to use those established artworks as “proof”; these artworks are references you are providing to your reader so they understand your interpretation. *Include your comparison images in the paper.
By using a comparison/contrast image you will clarify the symbolic meaning of your piece. The main body of the paper should NOT be descriptive, it will explain content through relationship. For example, if you chose a piece of jewelry with a Bull’s head you could compare it to any art with bulls (i.e. cave painting, or sculpture) to suggest a similar or different meaning. You might conclude that the jewelry had a “fertility” theme.
To discuss the CONTENT (meaning) consider questions such as: How was the object used? How is the
FUNCTION of the object affected by the design aesthetic and/or the subject matter depicted on the object? 5. Conclusion. All good essays conclude with a statement of purpose. What were your findings? This should not be 1 sentence, but at least one healthy paragraph explaining the significance of your object.
You may summarize major points but more importantly, state what was proved by your observations.
In other words, state your thesis.
FORMATTING INSTRUCTIONS:
• Paper must be typewritten, double-spaced, and 4 - 5 pages of text. 10 or 12-point type, standard margins.
• DO NOT put your paper in a binder or plastic cover.
• STAPLE the LEFT corner.
• Give your paper a title. If you make a separate front cover page, make sure your name and section are easily visible.
• Always indicate the title of an artwork by setting it apart with an underline, bold type or italics. Do this consistently throughout the paper, even when the title is abbreviated.
• Include pictures. B/w photocopies are acceptable. Images discussed should be titled and numbered (in the order as they appear in your essay) at end of essay, but before works cited, notes, and “proof.” Please see examples provided by your instructor for clarification.
— Proper order for an essay: title page (optional); essay; images; works cited; all other attachments. All pages (including attachments) should be 8.5 x 11 inches; nothing smaller nothing larger.
• Include proper citations for sources (museum, internet, books, magazines, etc.) Follow MLA citation guidelines. A manual of instruction is available online http://www.elcamino.edu/library/library_ser/index.asp — Or in any “writing about art” text (also available at Schauerman Library Reserve desk under Alamillo).
Additional Writing Resources and information available in
MyECC teamsite and Schauerman Library