Select one work of art at the Kimbell (from their general collection) from either the medieval or Renaissance periods (500-1650), and write a well developed analysis of the piece. Use the outline below as a guide.
Introduction
Title of the piece
Artist
Information about the artist (concise and brief)
Date the piece (if known)
Why did you select this piece?
Body
Describe the work of art.
Explain how the artist creates mood, and explain what that mood is.
Conclusion
How does the painting represent a particular historical period? If it’s medieval, what makes
it so. If it’s Renaissance what makes it so?
Explain the values that the painting represents.
Can you make a case for the values of either loyalty or individuality within
the painting? Explain.
Does this particular painting reflect one of your
values? Explain (this probably has something to do with why you selected it).
Read Erasmus’ The Praise of Folly and More’s Utopia. How is each criticizing the European society of his day? Can you apply the same criticisms to today’s society? Explain that in terms of loyalty and individualism.
Read Pico’s Oration on the Dignity of Man. Analyze the reading in terms of the value of the individual. According to Pico, what are the values that determine the ideal individual?