The selection of poems under the heading Taxonomy in the book of poems entitled Thrall, by Natasha Trethewey are to be used in conjunction with an analysis of a Casta painting. You are given an opportunity to read an artifact, in this case a piece of art, as an historical text. You need only use one poem, and the poem is not meant to describe the painting you select; the poem is meant to be a lens through which you view, understand, and illuminate Casta.
Analysis of Art / Artifact—Reading a Painting as a form of text: 1200-1500 words).
Casta (type of) painting in conjunction with a poem by Natasha Trethewey (from her book Thrall).
Trust your insight and instinct, as well as what you have learned in Humanities. Look at and appreciate a painting, then explain and analyze it. We read more than words, we read artifacts and objects. Art is evidence of political implications and cultural influences. Sometimes the context that shapes art is subtly evident while often it is explicit. In this paper, interpret a work of art according its social, philosophical, and historical context then explicate its meaning for life, culture, society and scholarship. Clarify how you distinguish your impression of the artwork today (in the context of the poem or theory) from the context of the time in which it was originally designed. Since this is your interpretation of art you are not required to use secondary sources other than the sources I have asked you to use. However, if you choose to do some secondary source research then be sure to document the sources correctly and distinguish the source from your own interpretation. You must include a copy / image of the artwork you interpret as part of your paper. You need to reference themes and major ideas from HUM 324 as they pertain to the art. Your paper needs ideas that are insightful, thoughtful, reflective, and are wholly yours (so fresh that they could not be formulated in quite the same way by any other person since no one can see, interprets, or experience the world or art like you.) You do not need to be an art expert to be an art critic / enthusiast in this case. Describe the paintings and the components of tone, space, color scheme, design, composition, technique, etc. BUT, do not stop there. Offer more than description. Explore what you think the artist’s choices mean and how those choices paint a bigger, deeper, richer picture of the subject and the artist’s intent. What do you see and how are you affected? What did the painting teach you that you did not know before?
Criteria for Evaluation
1: Is a copy of the painting included in the paper and properly identified?
Title, Artist, Medium, Size, Current Location
2: Is the Poem or Text used effectively as a lens through which to read the painting?
Quoted, Referenced, Noted, Interpreted
3: How well is the concept of Casta explained or defined as a type of painting / pose?
4: Is the context ( 18-19 century Spanish Colonization of Mexico, or New Spain) of Casta explored as a way to read the painting as a text for its time?
5: Does the paper have an introduction (expectations with clear purpose), a thesis (particular point the student will make) and conclusion that draws from the introduction, thesis, and content?
6: How well does the paper flow with syntax, grammar, spelling, and readability? Do the topic sentences of the body of the paper thread a coherent and cohesive analysis?
7: Does the paper have enough content to demonstrate the student investigated the painting, looked carefully at the painting, and understood something about the painting?
8: Does the paper do more than just describe the painting?
9: Does the student offer a personal connection—positively or negatively—to the painting?
10: Does the student offer any surprises or refreshing insights?
Sample Solution
