A successful visual analysis answers questions like:
Frick Boucher Room
What is happening in this artwork?
What is the first thing you notice about the artwork?
What was its intended function?
Is the artwork similar to an artwork you learned about in class?
What is in the foreground? What is in the background?
Discuss the formal elements: line, shape, light & dark, mass & volume, color, space, texture, and time & motion.
Consider elements of design: focal point, rhythm, repetition, and proportion.
How big is it?
Look at the colors. Discuss the hues, values, and intensities.
After examining it, is there anything new or unexpected you notice?
Does it look like an artwork you have seen in class? What does it look like and how does it look like it?
Why did the artist make this piece?
What is it made of (medium/materials)?
Frick Green Interior
Ask these questions about the idea of the museum and the display environment!
How are the artworks arranged in the museum – by culture, time period, style, artist?
How many artworks are in each room? (just an estimation)
How are the artworks arranged in a gallery room – side-by-side, one-on-top-of-another?
What kind of lighting is in the room? Is there a skylight or any open windows?
How do you feel when you enter the gallery room – overwhelmed, intrigued, surprised, excited? Why do you think you feel that way?
Is there wall text? Where is it located – near you or on an opposite wall?
Does the wall text help you understand the art pieces?
Does every artwork have an explanatory caption or only a few pieces? Which ones? Why?
Are there any artworks that the museum puts in a prominent location? Which ones? Why?
