There are three main strategies for analyzing works of art: contextual theory, formal theory, and expressivetheory. Contextual theory focuses on the political, social, or religious context of a work of art. Formal theoryfocuses on its visual characteristics. Expressive theory relates a work of art to the experience of the artist who created it. This week you will be using expressive theory and will discuss a work of art by relating it to the life of the artist.
The history of art is populated with many fascinating characters, and their work often reflects the triumphs and tragedies that shaped their lives. Once again, you will choose an artist from this week’s reading and will present a work of art that you feel reflects some aspect of this artist’s life. You are welcome to speculate about the artist’s intentions but be sure to explain your reasoning.
The following list is designed to help you, but you may choose any artist from the reading. You may even choose an artist not discussed in the reading as long as they are associated with a movement that is covered this week. Van Gogh is not on the list of suggested artists because you are probably already familiar with his work and life. It is tempting to write about what you know but I would like you to learn about an artist that you are unfamiliar with.
- Odilon Redon
- Henri Rousseau
- Auguste Rodin
- Camille Claudel
- Paul Gauguin
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
- Suzanne Valadon
- William Morris
- Frederic Leighton
- Aubrey Beardsley
- Gustave Klimt
- Antoni Gaudí
- Edvard Munch
- James Ensor
Answer preview
For most artists, art is an effective way of expressing their feelings and thoughts about different issues around them. William Morris was a phenomenal English artist who made contributions in textile design, poetry, writing and social activism. Among his most famous textile designs is the Strawberry Thief. The fabric design was influenced by his childhood experiences where he would steal fruit from their kitchen garden (Wilhide, 2016). Born of an affluent family, Morris enjoyed beautiful natural environments in his home and surrounding areas, William grew up in the countryside of Walthamstow after the untimely death of his father in 1847….
