This video explains how to do a visual analysis (formal analysis) of a sculpture—specifically the Mexica (Aztec) sculpture of Coatlicue in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. This video analyzes the sculpture's formal qualities, asking what we should pay attention to as we look closely. What are the formal qualities of a sculpture, such as line, composition, texture, color, etc.? Don’t worry, we’ve got answers and will guide you step-by-step!

This video is perfect for anyone wanting to develop the skill of describing and analyzing art.

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to Coatlicue

0:40 Visual analysis (formal analysis), and what it does and doesn’t do

1:12 Size, scale, and form

1:58 Decoration and Texture

2:43 Lines

3:19 Shapes and Volume

3:59 More on texture

4:23 What the formal elements tell us

Learn more

• Check out all of our close looking resources: https://www.artsq.org/learning-to-look-art-history