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)