9.12 Mosaic Analysis
ART ANALYSIS FORM – MOSAIC
Title of the work _____________________________
Artist___________________________________________
Historical period _______________________________
Dates_________________________________________
Subject____________________________________________
As you begin to study your selected work, consider how the work relates to its historical and or cultural period. You will answer this question at the end of your assignment, once you have taken the time to look at and answer the questions below about the basic elements, the associated values, and the expressive content of the work.
I. BASIC ELEMENTS
a. Describe the different types of line used in the mosaic.
b. What effect do the different types of lines have on the work of art?
c. What colors are included?
d. Is any shading used in the mosaic?
e. What effect do the colors and the light and shadow have on the mosaic?
f. How is the spatial element organized? Is it open? _____ Is it closed? _____ How do you know?
g. Is there an illusion of depth, or is the picture flat?
h. What effects does it have on the mosaic?
i. What concerns of the historical era are suggested by the illusion of depth or lack thereof?
j. What shapes are important?
k. In what ways are the shapes significant?
l. What effects do the tesserae, when illuminated; have on the appearance of the mosaic?
II.ASSOCIATED VALUES
a. What is the function of the work of art?
b. Give examples of influences from previous styles.
c. Based on your analysis, what seem to be the values of the period?
d. What geographical, economic, social, political, religious, intellectual and scientific events or concerns of this or the previous historical era might have contributed to this particular style?
e. What evidence do you find that these are reflected in this work?
f. Does your background affect your reaction to this work? How?
III. EXPRESSIVE CONTENT
How is the work organized to suggest or illustrate the artist’s intent?
