Assignment task:
For this assignment, you will choose one work of art to observe and analyze using the skills you have learned throughout the semester (3-4 pages). Your paper will include formal descriptions, analysis of formal elements, and general identification of the works of art. Need Assignment Help?
Format: 3-4 pages, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman font
Describe the work of art:
1. The formal attributes of its composition: color, line, scale..
2. The narrative: the content of the work, its subjects and symbolism
3. Its style: naturalism, abstraction, symbolism, idealism..
4. Materiality: what is the work made of, how is it constructed
5. Cause and effect: your interpretation of artistic intent and perception of its effect/impact
6. Other: how does this work function? Why and how did this work speak to you?
Include a complete citation for the work (i.e. the tombstone)
- Artist name
- Name of the artwork
- Medium
- Dimensions (size)
- Gallery/Museum/location where it is physically housed
- Other information available
- A photo of the work
This assignment is also an assessment of your writing skills. Your paper should include the following elements:
- An introduction - describing the basic facts about the work of art, utilizing descriptive visual language
- A Thesis - your interpretation of the work's meaning/significance
- At least 3 evidence-based support statements for your thesis
- AND a conclusion - an additional insight into the work, perhaps comparing it to another work of art, how it fits into the themes of the course, or how it challenges the viewer to think or see in new ways.
The Witches Sabbath - Francisco Goya
The artwork I chose is "The Witches' Sabbath", 1798 by Franciso Goya. Goya used dark and moody blues, browns, and blacks to create an ominous atmosphere. The lines used are loose and flowy that gives off a more surreal look. The style is symbolism, and the goat represents pagan ritual and superstition.
The narrative is the gathering for a "sabbath". The "He-Goat" is the depicted as the largest figure showing his significance and represented a demonic entity or the devil. The goat possessed large horns that were adorned by a wreath of oak leaves. The leaves symbolize strength, wisdom, and honor. The figure is surrounded by a coven of young and old disfigured witches. The women show expressions of amazement, fear, and submission. They are depicted as offering infants to be consumed as a token of appreciation to their God.
The material used is oil on canvas. This is a traditional technique where pigments are suspended in a drying oil like linseed, which acts as a binder. The paint dries through the process of oxidation. The canvas is typically made of cotton or linen, stretched over a wooden frame, and coated in a primer like gesso to prevent the oil from soaking in. He displayed the use of chiaroscuro to create dramatic, three-dimensional forms through strong contrasts of light and dark. In turn this gives depth and intensity layered through pigments to showcase the richness of objects. The use of this was to help focus the viewers' gaze on the main point of the picture.
Goya rarely spoke publicly about his views and intentions; therefore, I think the purpose of this painting was to criticize the superstitions placed within civilians during the Inquisition-era.
This painting functions as social commentary and psychological exploration. It showed me that when people are led by ignorance and desperation, they will seek a scapegoat which always ended up being innocent.