COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS A Compare/Contrast paper in an art history course examines two different artworks side-by-side in order to better understand the formal and contextual details of each work of art. As quoted in Sylvan Barnets A Short Guide to Writing about Art, Howard Nemerov asserted, If you really want to see something, look at something else.[1] Studying two objects allows questions to arise that may otherwise be overlooked in an individual examination. For instance, when comparing an Egyptian figural sculpture with a Greek figure sculpture, one quickly notices major stylistic differences (proportions, perspective, material). When these differences are noted, one can begin to ask why and how, which then guides the direction of research. An important factor in a Compare/Contrast paper is relevance. The two objects selected for comparison must have a relevant connection. If we use the example of the Egyptian figural sculpture and the Greek figural sculpture, the relevant connection is the subject matter. Each sculpture depicts a human subject; therefore, distinctions can be made regarding how the body is rendered. Once two objects have been selected for comparison, there are different methods for organizing the analysis. According to Sylvan Barnets A Short Guide to Writing about Art, a comparison can be organized block-by-block or point-by-point. The first method addresses each work of art and their formal and contextual aspects separately, while the second method addresses topics of comparison for each artwork together.[2] A Short Guide to Writing about Art provides example essays of each method. A Compare/Contrast Paper will include: A thesis statement (identifiable argument/main point) in the introduction paragraph. This statement should identify the significance of the comparison and how it contributes to a greater understanding and appreciation of both pieces. Formal observation and analysis: This analysis of form will focus on elements and principles of design relevant to the comparison. It is not necessary to analyze every element, only focus on observations that support your points of comparison. An Evaluation of the similarities and differences regarding form and style: Consider the significance of the differences in form and style and how it impacts the overall message. An Examination of context in order to examine how style and meaning relate to historical and social context: Research the respective cultures of the objects you selected and examine why and how the form and style reflect the social ideologies and cultural practices. Use the information from your textbook, Marilyn Stokstads Art History, for your research. [1] Sylvan Barnett, A Short Guide to Writing about Art, (Pearson Education, Inc., 2015): 132. [2] Barnet, 133.
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