A formal analysis includes an analysis of the forms appearing in the work you have
chosen. These forms give the work its expression, message, or meaning. A formal
analysis assumes a work of art is (1) a constructed object (2) that has been created with a
stable meaning (even though it might not be clear to the viewer) (3) that can be
ascertained by studying the relationships between the elements of the work. To aid in
writing a formal analysis, you should think as if you were describing the work of art to
someone who has never seen it before. When your reader finishes reading your analysis,
she/he should have a complete mental picture of what the work looks like. Yet, the
formal analysis is more than just a description of the work. It should also include a thesis
statement that reflects your conclusions about the work. The thesis statement may, in
general, answer a question like these: What do I think is the meaning of this work? What
is the message that this work or artist sends to the viewer? What is this work all about?
The thesis statement is an important element. It sets the tone for the entire paper, and
sets it apart from being a merely descriptive paper.
Your essay must include the following:
- A photo of the work you selected to write about (taken by you at the
museum!); - Artist, Title, Date, and Medium;
- A Thesis statement: The thesis for this essay states what you feel is the overall
meaning of the work and how the various formal elements come together to
express this meaning. - A detailed description of the work based on your observations of the actual
work at the museum . Things to consider are line, color, composition, scale,
and specific materials used. How does these formal elements influence the
viewer’s understanding of the specific subject matter? - An examination of the way the form/style and subject matter of the work
relate to larger ideas associated with its movement and its historical period.
This portion of the essay can be supported by evidence from the lecture and
class readings, no additional research should be performed.
Guidelines & Tips
A formal analysis should include not only a description of the piece, but especially those
details of the work that have led you to come to your thesis. Yet, your paper should not
be a random flow of ideas about the work (i.e. stream of consciousness writing). Rather,
your paper should have a sense of order, moving purposefully through your description
with regard to specific elements (ex: one paragraph may deal with composition, another
with a description of the figures, another with the background, another about line, etc.).
Finally, in your conclusion (the final paragraph) you should end your paper with a
restatement of your thesis.
It is important to remember that your interest here is strictly formal; NO RESEARCH IS
TO BE USED IN THIS PAPER. In other words, you are strictly relying on your ability to
visually ‘read’ a work of art and make interpretations about it based on your analysis of
it. Remember too that your analysis should not be just a mechanical, physical description.
Please use descriptive language and adjectives to describe your work. Begin with a
general description of the work, and then move on to the more specific elements.
Things to consider when writing a formal analysis (in no particular order): - Record your first impression(s) of the artwork. What stands out? Is there a
focal point (an area to which the artist wants your eye to be drawn)? If so,
what formal elements led you to this conclusion? Your impressions can help
you reach your thesis. - What is the subject of the artwork?
- Composition: How are the parts of the work arranged? Is there a stable or
unstable composition? Is it dynamic? Full of movement? Or is it static? - Pose: If the work has figures, are the proportions believable? Realistic?
Describe the pose(s). Is the figure active, calm, graceful, stiff, tense, or
relaxed? Does the figure convey a mood? If there are several figures, how do
they relate to each other (do they interact? not?)? - Proportions: Does the whole or even individual parts of the figure(s) or natural
objects in the work look natural? Why did you come to this conclusion? - Line: Are the outlines (whether perceived or actual) smooth, fuzzy, clear? Are
the main lines vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or curved, or a combination of any
of these? Are the lines jagged and full of energy? Sketchy? Geometric?
Curvilinear? Bold? Subtle? - Space: If the artist conveys space, what type of space is used? What is the
relation of the main figure to the space around it? Are the main figures
entirely within the space (if the artwork is a painting), or are parts of the
bodies cut off by the edge of the artwork? Is the setting illusionistic, as if one
could enter the space of the painting, or is it flat and two-dimensional, a space
that one could not possibly enter? - Texture: If a sculpture, is the surface smooth and polished or rough? Are there
several textures conveyed? Where and How? If a painting, is there any texture
to the paint surface? Are the brushstrokes invisible? Brushy? Sketchy? Loose
and flowing? Or tight and controlled? - Light and Shadow: Are shadows visible? Where? Are there dark shadows, light
shadows, or both? How do the shadows affect the work?
10.Size: How big is the artwork? Are the figures or objects in the work life-sized,
larger or smaller than life? How does the size affect the work?
11.Color: What type of colors are used in the work? Bright? Dull?
Complimentary? Does the artist use colors to draw your attention to specific
areas of the work? How? If a sculpture, examine the color(s) of the medium
and how it affects the work.
12.Mood: Do you sense an overall mood in the artwork? Perhaps several
different moods? If so, describe them. How does the mood interpret how you
view the work?
Once you have spent some time analyzing your work, notice if your first impression of
the work has changed, now that you have taken a closer look? How? If you came up with
a thesis statement before doing this in-depth analysis, you may want to change it if your
impression of the work has changed. Your thesis statement should reflect your view of
the object.
