There are generally three types of Art History papers assigned:
 

VISUAL ANALYSIS

This type of paper largely concentrates on discussing what you see when you look at the work of art.  Usually, your professor wants you to base your paper on first-hand observation, instead of information taken from books.  Although many people find this type of assignment difficult because they “don’t know what to write about,” try asking yourself some of the following questions:  What colors are used in the artwork?  Do the colors influence the effect the piece has on the viewer?  How big is the work?  Does that require the viewer to be close to observe/understand the work?  What medium is the work in?  How does that influence the total affect of the piece?  Where is the work located?  Was the work intended for many people to see or not?  How do you feel when you look at the piece?  What do you think the intentions of the artist were?  Do you think the artist was successful?  Is the effect of the artwork on the viewer different now than when it was originally done?  Etc.  These are just a few questions you might ask yourself to help get started.  Remember, this is a visual analysis.  Focus on what you see.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

This type of paper focuses on some of the same concepts included in a visual analysis, but also on the cultural and historical role of an artwork.  You will usually be required to do some amount of research for this type of assignment.  Try asking yourself some of the following questions: How is this artwork typical or untypical of the culture in which it was produced?   Does it have a social or religious function?  What is its historical role?  Is it reflective of that particular historical period?  Is it somehow different or like the artwork that came before and after it?  To answer some of these types of questions, you will probably need to gather general historical and cultural information from written sources, but then also discuss points specific to that piece of artwork, like in visual analysis.  Ask the staff at the Fine Arts Library to help you identify books on your topic if you are having trouble.

RESEARCH PAPER

This type of paper requires some amount of visual analysis, some amount of cultural and historical analysis, and then discussion of any number of other topics, depending on the focus of your thesis statement.  See the above paragraphs for some possible questions to ask yourself if you’re having trouble getting started.  Also, because a research paper is usually longer, make sure you pick a topic on which there are resources available – either here at UNM, or through inter-library loan.  In a research paper, you may concentrate on one work of art, but more likely will discuss more than one artwork.  Your professor may or may not provide you with a list of possible paper topics.  If not, and you have not had many Art History classes in the past, it is best to discuss a possible paper topic and preliminary thesis with your professor or graduate assistant before you get started.  For a research paper, you will normally use a combination of books, magazine articles, and newspaper articles as references.  Depending on the topic, you may also find some information on the Internet.  Although some valuable information can be found on the web, first try to make sure that you are consulting a reliable site (trust your own judgement), and then make sure your professor will accept the internet as a valid source. Ask the staff at the Fine Arts Library to help you identify books on your topic if you are having trouble.

DO'S

• Make sure you understand what kind of paper you will be writing and any additional requirements your professor might add. Ie. Choose a work of art from your textbook.
• If you have questions, ask your professor about a possible paper topic and/or thesis before you start writing.
• Make sure there are materials available on your paper topic at the university library, or through inter-library loan before you start writing.
• All Art History papers should follow the traditional paper format – title, intro. paragraph including thesis, body, and conclusion.
• Include an illustration of the artwork you discuss. It isn’t the professor’s responsibility to look up the artwork so they know what you’re talking about.
• Illustrations should be legible and cut away from irrelevant material. Provide figure numbers for easy reference in your text (ie. Figure 1) and typed captions. ie. Fig. 1. Jacques Louis David, Oath of the Horattii, 1785.
• Include a bibliography and footnotes or endnotes if appropriate.
• The order of your paper should be: text, endnotes (unless using footnotes), illustrations, bibliography.
• Follow standard formatting for papers – 1” margins on all sides, double-spaced, page numbers.
• Try to start the assignment well in advance, especially if this is your first Art History class.
• Ask the staff at the Fine Arts Library if you are having trouble identifying reference sources.
• Underline the titles of works of art, other than architecture.
• Consult a book like A Short Guide to Writing about Art , by Sylvan Barnet, for reference.
• Know that CAPS provides one-on-one Art History tutoring (appointments required) and a drop-in Writing Lab. Although tutors at CAPS do not proofread papers, they can help you address concerns or problems you are having with your writing.

DON'Ts

• Don’t try to make a 2-page essay into 5 pages by increasing the margins or font size.
• Don’t plagiarize. Your professor will know.
• Avoid making subjective statements and using the first person. i.e. I think van Gogh’s Starry Night is the most beautiful painting ever.
• Don’t repeat the artist’s name and title of the work in every sentence. Try to vary your word choice.
• Don’t use informal language, including contractions. i.e. The artist would’ve painted what the king wanted, but it turned out cool anyways.
• Don’t use too many quotations. Your paper will be more about other people’s thoughts than your own work.
• Don’t provide a black and white illustration and then talk about color.