Caravaggio, Medusa

Exam format: use this information to help you in your notetaking. Bringing in the assigned reading is always a plus.

(1). Definition of terms. Technical terms discussed in class and in the reading will be listed and you will be asked to (a) define them clearly, (b) give an example of their use in an appropriate work, and (c) state the significance of the term to the history of 17th-C. art. Quiz, midterm, and final.

(2). Identification/significance. Single slides will be shown for 4 minutes each. In each case, you must identify the work shown by naming the artist and providing the title, date, location (if still in its original place), and medium (what it is made of, i.e. fresco or marble) of the work shown. Then, in a single sentence, or as succinctly and unequivocally as possible, state the significance of the work to the history of art. Do not describe it or explain its subject matter, but state WHY this work is important to the history of 17th-C. art. Answer the question: how is this work demonstrative of important issues in 17th-century art? Quiz, midterm, and final.

(3). Unknown. A slide not previously studied in class will be shown for 5 minutes. You will attempt to attribute it to a specific artist, providing reasons for your choice. Midterm and final.

(4). Comparison: A pair of slides will be shown for 15-20 minutes. After identifying them completely [as in (2) above], in essay form discuss important similarities and differences in the two works, keeping in mind their historical contexts. Finally, draw a CONCLUSION stating what this particular comparison teaches us about the history of art of the period. The Barnet and Sayre books are helpful here, if you have not had experience with this kind of question. Midterm and final.

(5) Short Essay. Relating to the assigned reading. Midtern and final.

(6). Long Essay. You will choose from questions formulated to allow you to discuss material from the entire semester. The questions will derive from discussion in the final class period of the major themes and issues of the semester. You might be asked to trace the history of a particular art form or genre (e.g. the portrait), to comment upon a statement from one of the assigned readings, or to discuss the social function of art (e.g. art at court). You must refer to specific examples of works of art in formulating your answer. Final examination only; one hour.