Art History

Part A    In this first portion of the assignment you are asked to analyze the iconography of the artworks listed below. Defined in the textbook, iconography is an understanding of the subject matter and symbols of an artwork (Stokstad and Cothern, 2016, pg. 6).  Based on your understanding of the cultures and time periods, analyze the following artworks in terms of their iconography.

1.    Adam and Eve, Albrecht Drer, 1504. Engraving.
2.    The Founding of Tenochtitlan page from the Codex Mendoza, Aztec, 1545 CE.
3.    The Hip Pendant Representing an Iyoba (Queen Mother), Nigeria, c. 1550 CE.
4.    Tar Beach, Faith Ringgold, 1988. Acrylic on canvas, and pieced cloth.

Part B    Compare and contrast the function of the above works. Focus your analysis on how each artwork functioned spiritually and/or politically in their original context. Your discussion should include the importance of the artwork at the time of its creation for the viewer at that time. For instance, you could address issues such as, was the artwork used as a visual teaching of a concept, was it used as an historical record to document an event? Compare and contrast the function of the four artworks and distinguish the connections that can be made, pointing out patterns you find.

Conclude your essay with a short discussion on the use of symbols in the 21st century to communicate, applying what you learned regarding the use of symbolic imagery throughout the centuries of art. (Think of advertising logos or emojis etc. when considering 21st century examples.)