Analyze the Qualities of Art Answers

The most common methodologies of art are formalism, iconology, Marxism, Feminism, biography, and autobiography.

This photograph is by Dorothea Lange. Answer will vary but may include the following: This photo of a migrant mother has become an icon of the Great Depression. The expression on the woman’s face and her cowering children help communicate the mood of this time. It shows the pain felt by all members of the family, and the despair felt by parents for the miserable lives of themselves and their children.

Answer will vary but may include the following: The artist took a Marxist approach when created this painting. We know this because the painting shows wealthy society, and Marxism related to art’s relationship with social, economic, and political circumstances.

Answer will vary but may include the following: The painting is by Grant Wood, called American Gothic. When you look at this image, you can’t help but notice the determined, and yet sad look on the farmer’s face. The farmer’s wife is looking at her husband with concern, frustration, and support. The two figures are placed in front of buildings that could exist in any American town. This painting is an example of Marxism, because it shows American life and the common traits and feelings held by many of America’s working class.

Marxism involves interpreting artwork in terms of its social and economic context. Marxism comes from the philosophies of German economist Karl Marx. The goal of Marxism in art is to show how time, place, and society influence art trends.

The image is an example of formalism. Answer will vary but may include the following: The artist has focused mainly on visual elements, such as line, color, and shape, rather than the subject matter.

With formalism, art is evaluated in terms of its use of the elements of art. Formalism is not concerned with content, and is not influenced by time and space (the objective world).