VA Comp Assessment 2

Art Criticism
Sir Peter Paul Rubens
Lion
 Description
What can you learn from the title of the
artwork?

The tile of the artwork tells me that the subject of the artwork is
a lion.
 Description
What subjects in the artwork can you recognize?

I recognize a majestic lion and some rocks.

 Description
Looking at the elements of design, describe
what qualities you see.

I see line creating the texture of the fur, value creating the
muscles and form of the lion, and space.
 Description
What media and techniques did the artist use?

The artist used yellow, black, and white chalk. The artist used
shading and used white chalk to accentuate certain areas.
 Analysis
Emphasis: Is there a dominant element or focal
point that you see first?

The lions face is the focal point, it has lots of detail and has
accents of white.
 Analysis
Balance: Is there a special balance, or weight,
among the elements? What mood does it
create?

Black is used to balance white and yellow. The light is coming

from the right, so the left side is shaded more. This creates a
darker mood.
 Analysis
Proportion: Do the proportions look normal,
ideal, or unusual? Why?

The proportions are ideal. The lion looks extra muscular and
exceptionally powerful.
 Analysis
Pattern: Are elements repeated to create a
pattern? Where? Why?

Line is repeated to create the texture of the lions fur.

 Analysis
Rhythm or Movement: What visual rhythms or
paths of movement do your eyes follow?
Where? Why?

I look at the lions face first because it has the most highlights of
white and is placed near the center. My eyes then look at the
rest of the lion from left to right, following the slope of its back.
 Analysis
Unity and Variety: What elements bring
together, or unify many parts of the design.
Why? What elements add variety? Why?

Using few colors, the same realistic style, and the same
techniques to shade and add texture adds unity. White adds
variety because it stands out from the other two colors.
 Interpretation
Is there symbolism in the artwork? What do you
think it means?

The lion symbolizes courage and strength. I think this means that
a leader must be powerful and brave.
 Interpretation
What feeling do you think the artist wanted to
give the viewer when looking at the work?

I think the artist wanted the viewer to feel awe because the lion
looks so powerful and fearsome.
 Interpretation
Does the work remind you of other things you
have experienced?

The lion reminds me of a draft horse. Draft horses are incredibly

powerful and could kill you in about two seconds if they wanted,
similar to what the lion looks like in the artwork.
 Interpretation
How does the work relate to other ideas or
events in the world and/or in your other
classes?
This relates to biology and social studies because lions are
incredibly important to ecosystems in Africa.
 Judgment
What parts of the work make you feel it is a
success or failure?
The artwork is a success: the lion looks very much like how real
lions look, the lion is positioned in a natural pose, and the
artwork gives off a distinct feeling.
 Judgment
What criteria can you list to help others judge
this work?
The artwork has a realistic style, so others should judge it based
on how accurate it is to real life.
 Judgment
How unique is the work? Why do you feel this
work is or is not unique?
The artwork is not exceptionally unique. Others have drawn lions
in a realistic style before.
 Judgment
What are some improvements you feel the artist
could have made to the work?
The artist could have added more color, or something to make
the lion look more unique, like a scar or wings.