Discuss how learning about art has helped you learn more about our past.

Select a piece of art from your textbook (you can choose from any chapter, just browse around!). Cunningham, L., Reich, J. J., & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2018). Culture & values: A survey of the humanities. (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Include the image of or link to the artwork you have chosen for your assignment. Then fill in the following details and information below by looking, describing, thinking, and connecting:
First, LOOK: Take time to look at the work of art for at least 60 seconds or longer.
Now, DESCRIBE: Write about what you see in the artwork:
Name of artwork
Artist’s name
Date
What is the subject or content matter of the work?
In what medium (oil paint, watercolor, bronze, wood) is your artwork done? Could it be expressed effectively in another medium?
Analyze the elements of art (line, color, texture, shape, space, movement, etc.), Does one stand out above the others?
Locate the focal point (where your immediate attention/eye goes).
Analyze the use of light and dark. Does color saturation or hue create a psychological effect or mood?
Analyze the effect of texture (brush strokes, modeling). Is it smooth or rough?
Can you assess its style? (realistic, abstract, impressionistic, surreal, expressionist, etc.)
Then, THINK: Interpret and assign meaning to the work of art.
Define the purpose of the artwork (Choose one or more and explain why):
to create beauty
to reveal truth
to immortalize
to express religious values
to stimulate the intellect
to protest injustice/raise social consciousness
Does it embody any obvious meaning? Explain any symbols/themes (people, objects, colors).
Does your piece convey a social or political message?
Finally, CONNECT:
Why did you select this piece? Discuss anything that may have stood out or connected with you.
Compare what you see in your artwork to previous art we have studied. Identify any influences from previous artistic contributions, for example, is there an ancient Greek humanistic appreciation for the human form or any similarities to the religious portraiture of the early Church.
Discuss how learning about art has helped you learn more about our past. Provide specific details from previous weeks if necessary.

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