A well-chosen side by side comparison, helps the viewer to “see” the decisions an artist made (consciously or not), or the characteristics of a specific style or time period. Sometimes, the similarities will be most striking and other times, the differences will provide the most interesting points of comparison. Often, it’s a combination of both.
In this written assignment, it’s up to you to decide what you want to focus on. As always, your first step should be extended and careful looking. Take notes on everything you notice first and shape it into an analysis after. There is a grounds for comparison in each case, although it differs from pair to pair. Starting this way will give you your thesis right away.
Example: Although these works each depict scenes or war, artist A presents a glorified vision of sacrifice to a higher goal, while artist B uses a similar composition to convey the dehumanization inherent to wartime violence.
Objectives of the Analysis:
Formulate an argument that points why the two images are being compared and the grounds for comparison.
Focus your descriptions on details that support your argument.
Consider formal aspects of both works in a balanced manner.
Conclude the analysis by assessing how these works may now be viewed differently.
