Analyzing Artwork and Cartoons

Observe Describe Interpret Prove ODIP Method

Look closely. What do you see? What information is there? Create a list OBSERVE

Describe what you see. If you were asked to describe this painting to someone what would you say? What descriptive words would you use? What details would you provide? DESCRIBE

What do you think is going on in the painting? What story is it trying to tell? What is the artist trying to say? INTERPRET

Back up your interpretation What lead you to that conclusion? What clues led you to the interpretation? Use specific evidence from the painting. PROVE

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Birth of Venus Botticelli, 1480

Adoration of the Magi Boticelli,

To make a point about a political issue or current event. To persuade the reader of the cartoonist’s point of view. Current to its time What is the point of view in this cartoon? What is a political cartoon?

Cartoonists’ Techniques Used to get their point across. Not all used in every cartoon. Examples: Symbolism Irony Exaggeration Analogy Labeling

Using an object to stand for an idea. Symbolism Uncle Sam= USA 1899

Common Symbols in Cartoons Dove/Olive branch = peace Vulture/buzzard/skull/ bones = death Elephant = Republican party Donkey = Democratic Party Uncle Sam = US Government/American people Tortoise = slow mover Capital Building Dome = Congress White House = President Scales/Balance = Justice/fairness Statue of Liberty/Liberty Bell = Freedom Devil = evil

Irony is the difference between the way things are and the way they are expected be. Used by cartoonists to express their opinion. Irony 1899

Often, cartoonists will overdo, or exaggerate, the physical characteristics of people or things to make a point. (Stereotypes) Exaggeration

Analogy – Comparing 2 unlike things. Helps readers see things in a different light or to make a connection with the cartoonist. Analogy Who/What is Uncle Sam being compared to? Who are the territories being compared to?

Cartoonists often label things to make it clear exactly what they stand for or to help the viewer understand the cartoon. Labeling

See What do you see- people, objects, words, etc Techniques Symbols, Exaggeration, Irony, Analogy, Labeling What do they mean? Audience (& Context) Who is the intended audience? What is the context of the time? Message What is the message /opinion of the cartoonist? STAM

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Labeling Exaggeration Irony Analogy American Public Context: Civil Rights Movement, March on Washington 1963

Ego Sum Papa =“I am the Pope” Handbill from the Reformation,