Writing an art history paper is unlike writing any other type of academic paper. It requires a specific layout and language. In art history, the student is attempting to build an argument about something visual, which can be very difficult to do, as it is something that is quite transparent. Art history does not necessarily rely on facts, like other disciplines. Instead, it attempts to create a visual dialogue between the writer and the reader. Students should begin their papers with a visual observation that guides the rest of their papers into an interpretive argument.

Different Types of Writing Assignments

While students will be required to write several different types of papers for art history, the three most common types are close visual analysis, close visual analysis in context of scholarly essays, and research papers.

Close Visual Analysis

Close visual analysis assignments are common with entry-level art history courses. Students will be required to look at a piece of artwork, and analyze it in its entirety. When analyzing, students should think of the elements of art and principles of design, and how they help to complete the composition. The major elements and principles are:

Line

Line can be considered in two ways – linear and vertical marks.

Shape

A shape is defined as a self-contained, defined area of form.

Direction

All lines have some type of direction, whether horizontal, vertical or oblique. The type of direction impacts the movement of the composition tremendously.

Size

Size, or proportion, is determined by the relative size of one object to another within a composition.

Texture

Texture is translated into the surface quality of a piece of artwork. Textures can either be physical or visual, and may be soft or rough or smooth.

Color

Color, or hue, greatly impacts a composition, and should be considered accordingly.

Value

Value, or tone, is a color’s lightness or darkness.

Balance

Balance occurs in a variety of different ways within a composition. A large object has the ability to balance out a small object.

Gradation

Gradation can add interest and movement to a shape, and provides linear and/or aerial prospective.

Repetition

Repetition of objects can lead to patterns, helping to unify a composition.

Contrast

Contrast is the juxtaposition of contrasting elements in a composition, and usually the most contrast is concentrate in a composition’s center. Too much scattered contrast can destroy a composition’s unity.

Harmony

Harmony is the visually satisfying effect from combining elements.

Dominance

Dominance, or emphasis, anchors the subject of a painting, counteracting confusion.

Unity

Relating design elements to the main ideas being expressed in a painting leads to unity.

Close Visual Analysis in Context of Scholarly Essays

This type of assignment typically combines close visual analysis with formal analysis. Students are usually required to use scholarly journal articles to build stronger visual and contextual arguments.

Research Papers

Research papers may range from theoretic studies to other topics within art history. Students will be asked to pose a question or develop an argument that is primarily supposed by academic texts.

Tips on Constructing an Analysis

When conducting a visual analysis of a composition, students should ask the following questions:

• How do the elements relate to each other?
• How does each element contribute to the overall effect?
• How do contrast and unity play roles in the composition?
• How does the composition relate to the overall meaning?

When writing the analysis, students should:

• Ground their arguments using specific references to the work of art itself.
• Describe the image in specific terms.
• Explain how all the compositional elements work together.
• Contextualize the image using historical and/or cultural lenses.

Students should remember that an art history paper heavily on analyses from the image in focus. That being said, an art paper also should not only be description – details should be used effectively to illustrate central ideas.