Writing Assignment 3 - Renoir and Kirchner

There are three writing assignments (with corresponding peer reviews) required for this course. These short writing assignments are intended to further your ability to think critically about and to discuss works of art; peer reviews allow you to reflect on and engage with some of your classmates' ideas about the visual arts. Each writing assignment and its subsequent peer reviews account for 10% of your final grade this semester. Late submissions will not be accepted. Please note that if you fail to submit the writing portion of this assignment on time, you will not be able to complete the peer reviews portion of this assignment.

PROMPT: Looking closely at and describing individual works of art enables us to appreciate form, content, and style. Comparing and contrasting works of art enables us to articulate stylistic distinctions with greater precision. For this third writing assignment, you will compare and contrast two works of art covered in module 7 and 8.

Choose one pair of artworks pictured below (on pages 3-5). Look closely at both compositions, review relevant course materials, and take some preliminary notes for your own reference. Describe and analyze the similarities and differences between the two works you have selected. As you construct a clear and coherent comparison, address each the following:

• Stylistic characteristics (i.e., elements and/or design principles indicative of period style)

• Subject matter and/or theme

• Historical context and/or purpose

Do not simply make a list of the aforementioned aspects. Instead, think critically about the works and consider the ways in which the two are related and distinct in terms of specific stylistic characteristics, general art themes or purposes, and art historical significance.

Please note that Writing Assignment 3 is about looking closely at two works of art, synthesizing materials covered in our course, and formulating a substantive comparison. You should not conduct research on this work for this assignment. Please remember, however, that if you use an outside source, you must cite it! Plagiarism is a serious offense!

GUIDELINES: Your writing assignment should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Content: Use art terms and concepts introduced in Module 1 through 8. Be sure to address each of the bullet points in the prompt above. In addition, be sure to include which pair of images (A, B, or C) you are writing about in your submission; you may include this information at the top of the page or in your writing. Please do not copy and paste the images themselves in your submission!

• Formatting: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, 200-300 words (Headings and citations should not be included in this word count). Please do not put your name on your submission to maintain anonymity during the peer review process.

• Grammar: Your response should be written in complete sentences, and you should draft, proofread, and edit your prose before submission. Grammatical errors—such as capitalization, agreement, spelling, fragments, and run-on sentences—interfere with clear communication and will impact your score.

Please note that points will be deducted if your submission does not adhere to the above guidelines.