Some Questions to Ask About a Work of Art
(We need context about the piece of art that we are looking at.)
• What is the medium? (techniques and materials used) octAll*
• What inspired the artist to make it?
• What is the style? (the type, or familiar idea)
• What message is the artist trying to convey?
• When was it made? What was its historical context?
• Where was it made?
• What culture is it from?
• Who was the intended audience?
• What mood does it convey?
• Who made it?
• Does the artwork relate to their life story?
• How long did it take?
• What does it mean?
• What influence has it had on art that followed?
• What influenced it?
• What is the composition? (design)
• What is its current physical condition?
• Has it been restored?
• What genre is it? (landscape, still-life, portrait, etc.)
• What is the content? (subject matter)
• What is the first thing you noticed about the artwork?
• What textures/tactile sensations are in or on the piece?
• Is it an individual piece or a fragment of a larger work?
• What was its original physical context?
• Did it affect history or culture?
• How do you feel about it? (your subjective emotional response)
• It is alive today?
• What is its provenance? (history of ownership)