ART Research Paper Assignment
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Please submit via Blackboard (this will also send your paper through SafeAssign). I do not need
a printed copy.
Length: 1000-1200 words (not including references) Format: typed, double-spaced, 12 pt Arial
font.
Assignment:
For this assignment, you will research 2 artworks and write a comparison of them. They should
be by 2 different artists. They could be from the same artistic movement, or they could show a
contrast. For example, 2 artworks produced around the same time but which are different, or the
contrast between an artwork in one style and another artwork in a newer style that followed.
Your paper should include the following components:
• You should first say why you selected those particular artworks. Why do you think they are
important or interesting?
• Brief history of each artwork you will be discussing (time/place/context in which the work was
created; information on the artist).
• Comparison of the artworks in terms of content or subject matter. What is similar and what is
different?
• Comparison of the artworks in terms of technique and style. How were they made? What
visual features do they have? What is similar and what is different?
• Conclusion – what are the most important points you’ve raised in your discussion? How
might the artworks be relevant to artists or discussions about art now?
Sources:
You should use at least 4 reputable sources for your research. These can include books,
articles and museum web sites. We will discuss in class what databases and online resources
are best for finding these sources and how to identify a reputable source.
Articles do not just have to be from academic journals; you can use major newspapers and
magazines such as Smithsonian Magazine, New York Times, BBC, The Guardian, or other
regional news sources. Museum websites are also particularly good sources of information.
Check with me if you have any questions about a source.
Citations:
If you quote from or paraphrase a source in your paper, you should include a parenthetical
citation after the quote/paraphrase. The format will be (Author/website, page -).
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For example: (Smith, 92) or (www.moma.org/Picasso) – a website does not need a page
number.
You should also have a works cited page that lists all sources you consulted in an accepted
citation format (APA, MLA, Chicago).
If you are not sure about which format to use, you can follow the examples below:
Book Citation:
Name of author, Title of Book (Place of publication: Name of publisher, Year of publication),
Pages.
For example: Frieda Smith, Picasso’s Paintings (New York: Hudson Press, 2010), 135-145.
Article Citation:
Name of author, “Title of Article,” Name of Newspaper/Magazine/Journal, Date of Publication,
Pages.
For example, Frieda Smith, “Major Picasso Painting Sells for Millions,” New York Times,
January 24, 2012, 14.
Website Citation:
URL, Date accessed
For example, www.moma.org/Picasso, accessed April 29, 2015
Possible artworks to compare:
The two artworks should be from the time period 1750 until now.
It’s probably easier to discuss two artworks that we have covered on the course, but you don’t
have to do this. However, if you want to include any artworks not included in the course, please
check with me first.
