Analysing artworks

An analysis is a formal written or oral response to the structural and conceptual aspects of an artist’s or your own artwork. The aim is to identify the intentions towards the composition of the artwork, their use of the elements and principles of art through their application of materials and techniques, and the message they desire to convey. The ideas and meaning interpreted by the viewer may vary to the artist’s intent due to different personal and cultural context.

The Interpretative Lens, the Structural Lens and the Personal Lens, are also terms that will be introduced to help you separate the above ideas into focussed responses.

Structural Lens

Personal Lens

The templates (working documents) linked below are designed to assist students in their understanding of the key areas to address in an analysis and the supporting information required. Students do not need to work in this format but should still address all of the content.

Download these working documents

Artists, Artworks and Audience

Key knowledge

• the practices of artists from different periods of time and cultures
• the use of the Structural Lens and the Personal Lens to analyse and interpret artworks
• the use of personal opinions and points of view about artworks
• the ways artists use visual language to communicate ideas and meaning in their artworks
• terminology used in discussion of artists and their artworks

Key skills

• analyse and discuss the practices of artists from different periods of time and cultures
• apply relevant aspects of the Structural Lens and the Personal Lens to analyse and interpret artworks
• formulate and justify personal opinions with reference to artworks and related sources
• analyse and discuss how artists use visual language to communicate ideas and meaning in their artworks
• use appropriate art terminology and references to a range of sources in the discussion of artists and their artworks

The Aim of Analysis

The aim of an analysis is to describe, discuss, explain, the aesthetic characteristics, structural properties and conceptual ideas of the artwork.

To write effectively about an artwork you need to have an understanding of the artist who made it, but this is the supporting information. The artist’s artistic practice and intentions are fundamental in your interpretation and appreciation of the artwork. The artist’s biography IS NOT the priority.

This template breaks down he research that needs to be completed in order to then thoroughly analyse an artwork. It may be presented as a learning activity by itself or it may be used by the student to prepare for a formal, detailed written analysis.

Students need to understand what each of these sections refer to as well as the art terminology.

Didactic Information – What are the facts?

This information needs to be available for all artworks you intend to analyse. If it is not available, choose another artwork!

Artist’s Name: The full name should be mentioned in an extended piece of writing in the introduction/beginning however only the surname is required for the rest of the written response. Leonardo da Vinci is known in the art world as da Vinci, and Pablo Picasso is known as Picasso.

There are a few exceptions to this which should become evident through your research of the other sections of this template. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni is known in the art world as Michelangelo.

Artwork’s Title: This and other facts about the artwork should be found with the artwork. In a gallery it would be mounted next to or below the artwork. On the internet it may be harder to find. Use reputable sites and gallery pages to select artworks and their details. The benefit of this is they may also provide significant help in understanding and analysing the artwork.

Artwork’s Date: The date is essential as it establishes the time in history that the artwork was created. World events, social, cultural and technological changes of the period the artwork was created will be of significance to fully understanding it.

Media: This identifies what the artwork was made with; oil on canvas, linoprint, charcoal on rag paper, etc.

Measurements: The scale of the work identifies the physical dimensions. As most artworks are viewed on the Internet today, the impact of their size is usually lost on the audience. The following artworks are prime examples of this. The didactic information as provided with the artwork (as it should be).

Subject Matter – What does the artwork depict?

• What does the artwork depict? 
• What is the artwork about? What is it’;s story?
• What is the artist trying to communicate? 
• What ideas has the artist explored in the artwork? 

While some of this information can be directly interpreted from the artwork, more conceptual artworks will require research to determine the story or intentions of the artist. Research of significant artworks that have been previously analysed by professionals in galleries and publications will greatly improve your understanding and how to express it.

When writing an analysis in an exam like situation of an artwork you have not seen before, you are focussing on your interpretation of its subject matter and story from its visual appearance.

Materials and Techniques – How has it been Created?

• What materials has the artist used? 
• Can you identify what techniques they have used with these materials? 
• Are they traditional or contemporary techniques? 
• What visual effects do the chosen materials contribute to the artwork? 
• Why do you think the artist chose to work with these materials and techniques? 

The artforms, materials and techniques available for artists to express their ideas through are extensive. Some artists will focus on one artform such as drawing or ceramics but others may prefer to work across multiple media.

The physical and visual characteristics of the materials and techniques are integral to the delivery of the concept, idea or message.

Claude Monet – painter

Pablo Picasso – painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer

Andy Warhol – painter, silkscreen printer, sculptor, photographer, film director and producer

Style of Representation – Does it have a unique or specific visual effect associated directly with the individual artist or art movement?

• Does the artist have a personal style that makes their artworks easy to recognise?  
• Did the artist have an influence on the development of this style of art? (e.g. Picasso and Cubism) 
• What are the special visual attributes of this artwork that reveal the artist’s style?