Raphael, Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione, ca (oil on canvas, 82 x66 cm), Louvre, Paris

Thesis Statement For any writing assignment for this class, your first paragraph should present your ‘thesis,’ or the argument you want to make about the work of art.

Thesis Statement Your argument should be just that -- something that your reader could argue with you about. It’s not a statement of fact, but of opinion (that you will then back up with evidence). Your thesis should be clear, focused and specific. The reader should be able to quickly understand what your stated goal is.

Thesis Statement No: “Raphael uses muted colors and depicts a variety of textures.” Who would argue with that? Good: “Raphael draws the viewer’s attention to his sitter through his spare composition, use of strong contrast, and depiction of rich textures.” This is something another viewer might agree or disagree with. Better: “Raphael draws attention to his sitter’s wealth and social standing through his spare composition, etc.”

Body of the Essay After stating your argument, the body of your essay will present the “evidence” -- your analysis of the visual elements. Be sure to fully describe the work, but focus on the elements that are key to your argument. Each paragraph should have an introductory statement and focus on one main idea (e.g., the use of color)

For example… 1.Thesis: composition, contrast, texture 2.Composition: plain background, centered figure, fills picture frame. All focus on B.C. 3.Contrast: dark, muted color palette contrasts with face, light (linen?) shirt. Understated wealth; focus on face, expression: gentle, soft. 4.Texture: fur wrap, fine fabrics, soft beard, skin: focus on wealth, social standing.

For example… 5.Tie all three together: focus on expression, social standing. Window to B.C.’s personality and station in life. 6.Conclusion: R.’s technical mastery brings the focus to personality of sitter. Believable, “lifelike.” Can still suggest a lot about the man without props or background.

Wrapping it all up Conclude your essay in some fashion. Some people like to rehearse their thesis statement, but the best conclusions go beyond this -- to put the work in a larger context, or to add some final point to the analysis.

Some common pitfalls The use of “I” statements: Avoid the first- person -- this is a formal essay, not a personal response. Passive voice: Avoid!! Make your statements active. Passive = “Emotion is seen through the use of color” Active = “The use of color highlights the emotion of the work” “Seems” or “appears”: Avoid this too! Just come out and say it. No: “Wealth seems to be the central theme” Yes: “Wealth is the central theme.”

Last words of advice Stay focused: Always focus on the object and the connection between form and meaning. If you don’t see it, don’t write it. Be clear and specific-- If your reader has never seen the object, will s/he be able to envision it from your description? If you need help with your writing: –Read examples of good writing (see Sylvan Barnet’s book). –Use the Writing Center. –See me during office hours or by appointment.