Discuss the depiction and interpretation of the human body in three works of art, each of a different medium. Select your examples from the work of at least two artists.

Students should select three works of art, each of a different medium, and examine the artists’ depiction and interpretation of the human body. In other words, students should consider the artists’ use of the formal elements, and the means by which they generate meaning or significance. Though the ‘depiction’ and ‘interpretation’ of the subject matter may be discussed individually, strong answers may not conceive of them as separate or separable. In either instance, a convincing answer will refer to relevant contextual information, and so tie together ‘art’ and ‘history’.

The terms of the question are broad, and allow students to display their creativity and to choose art works of personal interest. As such, all relevant points should attract credit. Strong answers will deploy a logical structure, encapsulating a sustained and well evidenced argument that is both clear and articulate.

JT

Related History of Art A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I make my visual analysis less descriptive and more analytical?


What is the fin-de-siecle?


What is the best way to structure an essay that is asking me to analyse three art works.


Analyse the artist's use of brushwork and colour in 'Rain, Steam, and Speed - The Great Western Railway' 1844 by William Turner. What effect does the artists handling of paint achieve?