Written Assignment 2: Four-Part Analysis of Islamic Art works
For your second assignment, you will again analyze two examples of Islamic art. You have to
choose your artworks from Arts of the Islamic World in Smarthistory (The Center For Public Art
History):
https://smarthistory.org/islamic/
Scroll down to “All Content” and be sure to click “Load More” to see the full range of
possibilities.
• For each art object, you select and explain relevant terms relating to the four-part
analysis method: physical properties (shape, size, medium/materials, techniques) formal
structure (visual elements and composition), subject matter (natural subject and
iconography), and cultural context.
• For each work, select the relevant terms from each part of the four-part analysis. Copy
the term into the box and justify in your own words your choice of the term. For physical
properties, formal structure, and subject matter, explain where the term is visible. For
cultural context, justify your selection.
• For each, you will identify it, information about Title, Artist/Culture, Date. You need to
provide the URL to the page on the Smarthistory website.
• This is not an essay. You are creating a kind of glossary of relevant terms and providing
evidence and justification of your selection.
.
Instructions:
• Use this Word document to complete your assignment. Save it to your computer or drive
now.
• Consult the rubric to understand my expectations.
• Put all writing in your own words. Do not reuse/copy/plagiarize anything or anyone,
including yourself. All writing for this class must be your own and original to this
semester.
• Include as many relevant terms/concepts as possible.
• Cite any outside resources you consult. Citations should not just be a link; should be in
Chicago/MLA/APA format.
• Check spelling and grammar.
• Save the document as a pdf file.
• Upload to TCU ONLINE by the deadline listed in the syllabus. Start early. Late work is not
accepted.
Sources of information for your answers:
• Textbook
• Terms and Concepts list.
• External resources (museums, online encyclopedias, etc.). You must put this information
in your own words and cite your sources.
Here are the terms to choose from (from the Terms/Concepts list plus a few extra):
Part of Analysis Terms
physical properties Calligraphy, architecture, miniature painting sculpture, illuminated
manuscript, metalwork, painting, ceramics, glass, low relief, high relief,
shallow relief, inlay, carve, carving, stone, engrave, incise, carpet, fabric
formal structure Floral motifs, geometric, vegetal, calligraphic, muqarnas, arabesque,
ornamentation, figurative, non-figurative, aniconism, hierarchic scale,
colossal scale, composition, registers, ground, background, composite
pose, composite view, characteristics, space, depth, threedimensionality, naturalistic, lifelike, canon of proportions, ideal,
idealized, idealization, style, stylized, conventions, representational
conventions, traditional representational system, formula, visual
language
subject matter Secular, religious, narrative, storytelling, caliph, ruler, god-king, deity,
god, symbol, symbolism, iconography, meaning, subject, attributes,
guardian figures, composite creature, sarcophagus, ka, ritual, rite,
ceremony, offering, tribute, hieroglyphs, cuneiform, inscription,
portrait, likeness.
context Islamic caliphate, sacred authority, polytheistic, ruler, god-king, deity,
god, divine right to rule, social hierarchy, rank, class, city-state,
complex, citadel, compound, timelessness, permanence, burial
chamber, sarcophagus, tomb, necropolis, patron, commission, ritual,
rite, ceremony, ceremonial, offering, tribute, traditions, funerary,
cultural context,
Your Name:
1. Islamic Art Object
Title, textbook
figure number,
date
Culture
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to physical
properties of
shape, size,
medium/
materials, and
technique visible
in this work.
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to formal
structure visible in
this work. Point to
specific locations
in the work to
justify your
selections.
2. Islamic Art Object
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to subject matter
visible in this
work. Point to
specific locations
to justify your
selections.
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to cultural context
in this work.
Cite sources
consulted.
Title, date, and
URL Link
Culture
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to physical
properties of
shape, size,
medium/
materials, and
technique visible
in this work.
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to formal
structure visible in
this work. Point to
specific locations
in the work to
justify your
selections.
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to subject matter
visible in this
work. Point to
specific locations
to justify your
selections.
Select and explain
the terms relevant
to cultural context
in this work.
Cite sources
consulted.
—————-
Second written assignment: a four-part analysis of works of Islamic art
You will evaluate two examples of Islamic art for your second project. You must do so.
Choose your artworks from Smarthistory’s Arts of the Islamic World (The Center For Public Art).
History):
https://smarthistory.org/islamic/
To see the entire variety of options, scroll down to “All Content” and select “Load More.”
possibilities.
• You choose and explain relevant terms relating to the four-part system for each art object.
physical attributes (shape, size, medium/materials, procedures) formal analysis method
subject matter (natural subject and composition), and structure (visual elements and composition).
iconography), and cultural context.
• For each work, select the relevant terms from each part of the four-part analysis. Copy
the term into the box and justify in your own words
