Art 2211 Professor Gotham: Assignment information, and Searching Tips

Iconographic Analysis Essay (300-500 words): 

This is an investigation of the imagery and subject matter of the object. It should seek to understand what the work meant to its original audience, and also the history of the iconography or its origins. This analysis may also discuss the object’s use or function. This essay seeks to answer the question, “what does it mean?” 

Finding Sources - try these examples in the Catalog, and the databases JSTOR and Academic Search Ultimate  

• Iconography (or Symbol) AND Title of the work
• Iconography (or Symbol) AND Artist
• Iconography (or Symbol) AND Art period
• Iconography (or Symbol) AND Religion (Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, etc.)

In addition to iconography, try the word Iconografie

A few general books on Iconography: 

Historical Analysis Essay (300-500 words): 

The third analysis should explore the historical context of the work. It should discuss the social, cultural, and political setting of the work, and establish how the object relates to or reflects that context. This essay seeks to answer the question, “why was it made?” 

Finding Sources - try these examples in the Catalog, and the databases JSTOR and Academic Search Ultimate  

Searching examples:

• History AND Nation / Country
• History AND Nation / Country AND culture
• History AND Nation / Country AND Society
• History AND Nation / Country AND politics 
• History AND Nation / Country AND culture