1.5.1
Tell me
What are works of art? Works of art are one common type of primary source. Throughout this topic we have examined various primary sources: artworks, monuments, buildings and written sources. Artworks include paintings, sculptures, bas reliefs and mosaics. Art styles changed signiýcantly throughout the Middle Ages, and differed from kingdom to kingdom. Why is analysing artwork useful? Artwork can tell us a great deal about a particular period or event. It may also tell us what ideas, beliefs or activities people felt were important enough to express in artwork. For example, an elaborately carved altarpiece in a church tells us that much attention was given to expressing the Christian faith during the Middle Ages. 1.5.2 Showme How to analyse a work of art A useful way to approach the task of analysing a work of art is remembering to use ‘the three Cs’ — content, context and comment. Content The content is what the artwork actually shows. Look at it very carefully and make sure you note all the details. For example, you might need to look for particular symbols or gestures. Think about how you would describe the image to someone who has not seen it; that way you can be sure you have looked at it thoroughly. Context Context refers to what was happening at the time the artwork was created — the historical background. Try to ýnd out about the origin and purpose of the artwork: who created it, and why? Is it a primary or a secondary source? Knowing this can reveal as much as the artwork itself. The detail from the Mariacki altar in SOURCE1 was created by an artist called Wit Stwosz. The artist and his team were commissioned to create this altarpiece for the Church of Our Lady in Kraków, Poland. During the Middle Ages, artists were frequently employed to create artworks with religious themes. This altarpiece shows various saints, the ascension of the Virgin Mary into heaven and scenes from the life of Jesus. At the time of its creation in the Late Middle Ages, it was the largest altarpiece in the world. Comment You should question the value of every source. Why is it useful? Does it give you raw information or does it show only a particular point of view? Are there any limitations to the source — that is, is there anything the illustration cannot tell you? Do you think it is a reliable source? Why or why not? Remember, the origin and purpose of any historical source will always inþuence its value and limitations. If you ask these questions each time you analyse an artwork, you’ll be on your way to becoming an effective historian. In the following example, the three Cs have been applied to SOURCE1 . 1.5.3 Letmedo it Complete the following activities to practise this skill.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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