I find that the internet is full of websites that are useful for the study of art history. One of them that I came across is University of Leeds Online Course: Introduction to Formal Analysis. This course was written by Dr Matthew Treheme, a senior lecturer in Italian in the Department of Italian, School of Modern Languages and Culture in University of Leeds.
The course is meant for students who are getting acquainted for the first time in formal analysis of paintings in the course of their studies. It starts with the introduction of elements in formal analysis: colour and line, space and perspective, modeling and plasticity, composition, medium and light. Then it concentrates on the specifics in the analysis of paintings of different genres: human figure, landscape, still-life, action and narrative, and portraiture
What I like about the course is that it is highly interactive. Each point is taught with an example from a painting. The student is encouraged to look at the paintings and give his/her opinion before clicking on Dr. Treheme’s answers. By thinking about the painting, I was able to consolidate what was being taught. This experience was more interesting and useful than reading a list of things to look for in formal analysis from a book. I was also introduced to many interesting paintings from Dr Treheme’s examples and also learnt new art terms such as cangiantismo, force lines, violettomania.
I think this is a good site to have a look to learn more about formal analysis of paintings. I hope Dr Treheme would add some knowledge on analysis of sculptures in the future.
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