VA Comp Assessment 2

Art Criticism
Albreht Durer
Rhinoceros
 Description
What can you learn from the title of the
artwork?
I know that there is going to be a rhinoceros.
 Description
What subjects in the artwork can you recognize?
A rhino in armor, a slightly slopping hill, and a small bit of landscape.
 Description
Looking at the elements of design, describe
what qualities you see.
I see balance and unity throughout the piece.
Pattern, lines, space, value, shape, and texture in
the armor and the overall picture.
 Description
What media and techniques did the artist use?
The artist used ink and created shadows/shaded
by crosshatching.
 Analysis
Emphasis: Is there a dominant element or focal
point that you see first?
The rhino is obviously the focal point of the
piece.
 Analysis
Balance: Is there a special balance, or weight,
among the elements? What mood does it
create?
There is balance which combines with other
elements to create a serious mood.
 Analysis
Proportion: Do the proportions look normal,
ideal, or unusual? Why?
The proportions are unusual because of the
random armor plates and plant like objects that
just come out of no where.
 Analysis
Pattern: Are elements repeated to create a
pattern? Where? Why?
yes, the elements do create patterns the shapes
and texture make armor plates look that much
more serious/protective.
 Analysis
Rhythm or Movement: What visual rhythms or
paths of movement do your eyes follow?
Where? Why?
There is no rhythm or movement in the piece.
 Analysis
Unity and Variety: What elements bring
together, or unify many parts of the design.
Why? What elements add variety? Why?
All the patterns and elements are combined
together in unity to make the rhino more
unique.
 Interpretation
Is there symbolism in the artwork? What do you
think it means?
I think it means every creature and person is
unique.
 Interpretation
What feeling do you think the artist wanted to
give the viewer when looking at the work?
I find the picture intimidating.
 Interpretation
Does the work remind you of other things you
have experienced?
It reminds me of the zoo.
 Interpretation
How does the work relate to other ideas or
events in the world and/or in your other classes?
The world because of it diverse cultures and
creatures.
 Judgment
What parts of the work make you feel it is a
success or failure?
Success, because it is unique and very
conceptual.
 Judgment
What criteria can you list to help others judge
this work?
Its elements and principles of art.
 Judgment
How unique is the work? Why do you feel this
work is or is not unique?
It is unique because of its small details and
patterns.
 Judgment
What are some improvements you feel the artist
could have made to the work?
The artist could have included color to make the
rhino pop.