BASIC QUESTIONSTO ASK WHEN LOOKING

AT WORKS OF ART

What is my first response to the work of art?

Sir Lawrence Alma-TademaSpring

CARAVAGGIO Salome with the Head of St John the Baptist

What is the title? Does it help to illuminate the work?

Raft of Medusa, Theodore GericaultEcstasy of St. Theresa

CONTEXT

• Physical location – original setting?

• Who was the artist and patron?

• Historical events – cultural, political, religious, etc.

• Concepts & ideas - ideology

Physical location & Condition

Four TetrarchsTemple of Athena Nike

Physical Location – Original location vs. current location of the work?

Ishtar Gate

Altar of Zeus Pergamon

Artist and Patron

Sistine Chapel, Last Judgment

When and where was the work made?

Yosemite Valleyby Albert Bierstadt

1866Andy Warhol100 Cans,

1962

What purpose did the work serve?

Caesar Augustus Chartres Cathedral