Feedback Report - Assignment 1

Things to do are red
Notes about things to do/things done are green

Overall Comments

Statement of Aims. This seems to be an excellent set of reasons for wanting to do this Art history course and I hope you find that as you progress through the Assignments, projects and units that you are meeting most of your planned outcomes. Certainly been able to critically evaluate your own work and that of others is hugely valuable. The analysis of symbolism in art and the social implications of art movements is important as well. Good luck then with the course !  Have been finding out that these things are equally important as going through the course and finding them really interesting. Enjoying reading about the history behind art.  I need to find out more about the symbolism - am looking out for books that will help me.


Postcard list. A well presented list of images and cards for the first assignment. It may is often helpful to put them under the Units they refer to but not essential – it is up to you if you have the time to do this set when you get it back, or not. Had thought about doing this and wasn't sure if I should so will certainly be updating ready for next time my postcard list is sent in.

Annotated sheet. Virgin and Child (Duccio) 1308-11. Maesta,

A4 sheet. Coloured photocopied image. Put Unit 5 on the front, not the back of the sheet. Your written points are basically sound and cover the symbolism of the figures (angels and saints) in the scene and go onto discussing who they were in your questions and answers at the bottom of the page. How the symmetrical placing of the figures on either side of the (much larger) Virgin and child draws the viewer in and out, of the whole picture, is well explained. You mention the blue of her dress and the expense of that colour and the gold leaf background. It would be good to find out how egg tempera was applied to the panel and how the gold leaf was stuck and hammered for texture. You could put this part into your log book. Saw some info about how to use egg tempera on Life of Leonardo video but have jsut looked at this tutorial on Youtube for more info.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUmzLewk5dk&feature=related Then had a google to see what I could find out about gold leaf techniques.  Have read some info but will also speak to my dad about it as he uses gold leaf in his work.  Whilst looking came across a useful gloassary website so am going to make myself a post of links to useful sites/clips etc

Annotated sheet .The Marriage of G. Arnolfini (Jan van Eyck) 1434. UNIT 6. Size and oil on oak all noted. A4 with a coloured photocopy surrounded by much good information, + the back of the sheet. The information here shows good research and analysis for this painting. You cover the historical background to the couple, their social standing and the symbolism of the many objects within the painting (Oranges, dog, and the candle) The very ornate candelabra is according to David Hockney in ‘Secret Knowledge’, painted with the camera obscura technique which became technically fashionable and possible to do. The date and reflection in the mirror as you mention is important as well. I too like this picture and am constantly amazed at how small it is as well. This is a good piece of work.

Annotated sheet . Unit 2 Greek vase. 540-530 BC

Size noted and place found. A4 sheet with photocopy in colour. Again I like your questions and answers at the bottom of the page. You cover the colours used and discuss the overall balance of the black and ochre of the pot and write about the two figures and what they are doing. Did you investigate how the colours were applied to the pot and how the design was worked to show both colours ? Good log fact and info here !! An adequate sheet.  I did look into the different ways that colourse were applied.  "Figures and ornaments were painted on the body of the vessel using shapes and colors reminiscent of silhouettes. Delicate contours were incised into the paint before firing, and details could be reinforced and highlighted with opaque colors, usually white and red" (Wikipedia)

PROJECT 4. A visit to Salle Church.

5 pages with very good illustrations and photographs. Well presented with excellent information. Divided into three sections, you describe the structure and decoration of the church; the size and its use as a place of worship and commemoration facts.

Built in 30 years from 1400 it is still entirely in its Perpendicular style having had no alterations made to it. It was renovated you write but not changed in any way in the 19th c.

The small floor plan is good and from this you guide us round the church area by area and illustrate it with small photos and other pen drawings. The close up details of various things such as the stall carvings and the roof are really helpful.

The families who funded the original building made their money from wool and brought stone in from Peterborough and obviously kept funds going through other generations. Their coats of arms (the Boleyns for one) are around the church and this is a good place to end your description.

It is an extremely sound piece of written and illustrated work – good Project with written references.

Assignment 1. A review of episode 5 (DVD)

This is a concise and well written review of the episode in question.

I agree that the imagery is beginning to look a little dated and could be updated a little. Also it would be good to linger a little longer on some areas of art works so one can digest the work more.

You write that the positive points did outweigh the negative – and felt that the DVD supports the book and allows the viewer to see parts of art work, or buildings that we cannot see through 2-d images.



Feedback on assignment

You have completed a sound first Assignment.

Try to remember to put the Unit numbers on the front of the sheets. 

Will do!

Carry on in this vein and keep up your log book and website

Learning logs/critical essays

See above.

Suggested reading/viewing


David Hockney ‘Secret Knowledge’

Have added to my list of wanted books - checked out prices on amazon and ebay - just going to check what my dad has for me to borrow before ordering.UPDATE borrowed from library to read - found very interesting and well written.