Systematic Art Analysis Methods: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture

Painting Documentation and Analysis

General Documentation

Catalog

• Title, Artist, Chronology, Style

Brief Review

• Technical Support, Location, Theme

Formal Analysis

Visual Elements (Line Drawing)

• Predominance of straight line or curve, Perspective

Plastic Elements (Color)

• Spectrum, Type of stroke

Plastic Elements (Light)

• Real light, dark shadows, Chiaroscuro effects

Composition

• Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, Open, Closed

Time

• Reverential, Dynamic

Rhythm

• Stasis, Movement, Balance

Style Review

Short review of the painter, style, and period.

Interpretation

Content and Meaning

• Theme: Subject matter, sources, interpretation
• Genre: Religious, Portrait, Mythological, Landscape, etc.
• Patron/Subject: Identification of the commissioner or main figures

Function

Intention of the author at the time of creating the paint work.

Additional Notes

Miscellaneous comments or details that do not fit elsewhere.

Architecture Documentation and Analysis

General Documentation

Catalog

• Title, Architect, Chronology, Style, Location, Current Status

Brief Overview

• Materials, Processing, Wall construction system, Dimensions

Formal Analysis

Structural Elements

• Elements of Support: Pillars, columns, etc.
• Elements Supported: Dome, vault, arch, etc.

Spatial Organization

• Exterior Space: Appearance, organization of the facade, decoration
• Interior Space: Type of plan, appearance, decoration, light, spatial flow

Style Review

Short review of the architect, style, and period.

Interpretation

Content and Meaning

• Patron/Subject: Identification of the commissioner or main figures

Function

Intention of the architect when designing the work.

Additional Notes

Anything that does not fit elsewhere.

Sculpture Documentation and Analysis

General Documentation

Catalog

• Title, Sculptor, Chronology, Style

Brief Review

• Technique: Carving, casting, modeling, etc.
• Material: Marble, wood, bronze, etc.
• Forms: Relief, in the round, engraving, etc.
• Typology: Standing, seated, bust, etc.
• Color: Monochrome, Polychrome
• Location: Original and current location

Formal Analysis

Composition

• Proportions, compositional lines, lines of symmetry

Time

• Anecdotal moment captured, desire to perpetuate

Rhythm

• Stasis, Movement, Balance

Style Review

Short review of the sculptor, style, and period.

Interpretation

Content and Meaning

• Theme: Subject matter, sources, interpretation
• Genre: Religious, Portrait, Mythological, Landscape, etc.
• Patron/Commission: Commission details, identification of the patron/subject

Function

Intention of the sculptor at the time of creating the work.

Additional Notes

Anything that does not fit elsewhere.

Case Studies and Examples

Painting Example: Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe

General Documentation

Cataloging Details

• Title: Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe
• Artist: Manet
• Chronology: 1863
• Style: Impressionism

Brief Review

• Technique: Oil
• Support: Canvas
• Location: Musée d'Orsay, Paris
• Theme: Two men dressed, accompanied by a naked woman, sitting on the grass, while another woman refreshes herself in a stream.

Architecture Example: Kaufmann House (Fallingwater)

General Documentation

Catalog

• Title: Kaufmann House (Fallingwater)
• Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
• Chronology: 1935–1937
• Style: Organic Architecture
• Location: Bear Run, Pennsylvania (USA)

Brief Overview

• Materials: Reinforced concrete, natural stone, glass, and aluminum.
• Constructive System: Utilizes industrial materials.