This exercise consists of ten works of medieval art, each one on a separate web page. Each page will have the work of art at the top. You may click on this image to see a larger version of it
First, indicate whether the work is Early Christian or Early Medieval by clicking on the appropriate button. A window will appear to tell you if you are correct.. It will contain an identification, but this is just for reference- do not attempt to memorize it.
Then look at the work in stylistic terms.
1. Look at the figures. What is their pose (static, kneeling, etc.)? Are they frontal facing or in full profile, or somewhere in between? Are they static or in movement? Are they interacting with one another or with their environment?
2. Pick a prominent feature such as a face or a piece of clothing (usually called drapery). Evaluate it in the following terms:
Line. Is there an outline around the object or
separating the parts of it? if so, what is the color of the line and how
does this relate to the colors of the areas enclosed?
Is it complete or sketchy? Thick or thin? Smooth and controlled, or jagged
and exuberant ?
Modelling: (modelling means the attempt to render three dimensional space through gradations in tone) Do the figures cast shadows? within the figures, are there highlignts and shadows on faces and body parts ? on daperies ?
Degree of Abstraction: How abstract are the forms? How do the forms relate to figures in the "real world"? What are the proportions of the parts of figures? How do the shapes and colors reflect (or not) the actual shapes and colors of parts of the body? How symmetrical are the forms? When colors are juxtaposed, is there any attempt to show gradations in tone? How do the figures relate to the space in which they stand? Is this artist interested in light and shade ?
Type a short paragraph in the box provided describing
you observations. Then click on the "Answer" link to see a suggested answer.
Finally, click on the link at the bottom of the page to go to the next
question.