How can I analyse a work of art for my Visual Analysis and Interpretation Test? (Gentleschi 'Susannah and the Elders')

Firstly, identify who the work is by, the date it was made, and the materials used to make it. For example, Artemisia Gentileschi, Susannah and the Elders, 1610, oil on canvas. Now, it is important to identify the most important aspects of the painting. The use of space, lighting, composition, realism/abstraction, the relationship to the picture plane, and the brushstroke all provide excellent points to discuss. It is also really important to be able to write some historical/contextual facts down. I have always found this skill better to learn through example and by practise, so here's an example now! We can talk through this together. I might structure my essay (if it is a general analysis of a particular painting) as follows: Para 1: Historic Context: Painted by Gentileschi (daughter of an artist who greatly admired Caravaggio); painted after her rape by one of her fathers friends. Para 2: Form: the nude of Susannah is pressed against the picture plane, which simultaneously presents Susannah for show as in the historical tradition of the female nude, but this is subverted by her protective arms blocking her form, and denying the viewer, despite her partial nudity and sensuous flowing robe. Also creating a disturbingly claustraphobic scene as the Elders crowd her in. The lean over a wall, suggesting Susannah has hidden to protect herself, and one of them 'hushes' her, suggesting her oppression, and also making the picture sensuous - the sense of hearing is implicated here. There is chiarascuro (light and dark) in the scene, but it is noticeably less dramatic than that of Carravaggio, suggesting the implication that Susannah's situation is much more real and immediate than a hallowed biblical story. Para 3: Brushstroke: Smooth brushstroke, lack of impasto, promotes realism. Also, note that Gentileschi captures the female breast much more realistically than her male counterparts. She has clearly observed this in herself. If possible, add the opinions of some art history theorists/feminist critics. Good options include Griselda Pollock, who seeks to canonise that female artist, and Linda Nochlin who wrote an essay called 'Why are there no good female artists?'