Sculpture

For Unit I, each student will write one short essay on sculpture. Students Essays on Sculpture from Spring 2011 semester are listed here.

Description: For this assignment, you will analyze a sculpture from the time period and cultures covered in Unit One. This essay should be one-two pages typed (double spaced). It is more important to cover the required components rather than to worry about length. Use essay format with paragraphs rather than question / answer format or bulleted list format. Sources are not required, but any used must be documented correctly. Essays must be submitted electronically so that they can be submitted to Safe Assign to check for plagiarism. Please read the syllabus policies on the use of Safe Assign and the consequences of plagiarism. The policies will be strictly enforced.

Components: In the first paragraph, tell the reader about the sculpture. What is its title? Who was the artist? Does it still exist? Where is it currently located? What is its condition? Where did you view it (give specifics: in suchandsuch textbook on page soandso or on the internet at suchandsuch address or at soandso museum on suchandsuch date)? When was its composition? What does it look like (you might include an image of it, though make sure you cite it!)?

Then, in a series of body paragraphs, address as many of the following categories as relevant to the sculpture:

• Dimensionality: What is the dimensionality of the work? How does dimensionality contribute to the work’s overall design and effect?
• Method of execution: What method of execution has the artist employed? How does the material used by the artist in this work relate to the method of execution the artist has chosen?
• Mass: In what ways does the mass of the work contribute to its overall appearance and appeal?
• Line and form: How has the artist utilized line and form? How do the line and form of the work contribute to the overall composition and appeal of the work?
• Texture: In what ways does the texture of the work create an intellectual or emotional appeal to the viewer?
• Repetition: How do rhythm, harmony, and variety contribute to the overall composition of this work?
• Articulation: How has the artist articulated the various parts of the work to create eye movement from one element to another?
• Focal Area: What elements has the artist utilized to create areas of interest?

The concluding paragraph should be your Reaction: how do the previous elements combine to create a reaction in you? In other words, what draws your attention? What is your emotional response to the work, and what do you think causes the response?

Questions were taken from page 63-64 of the Artsguide: World and Web by Dennis Sporre (2004).

• Audio Version of Assignment Sheet with Additional Comments
• Read More about Sculpture
• Virtual Museums