Performing

UnderstandingArts in Art
Formal Analysis
Introducing Shape
Learning about the elements of art? Continue by discovering shapes in works of art.
Identify the different shapes you see in this detail of a page from a thirteenth-century book.

Unknown artist
An Elephant
English, about 1250–60
Ink tinted with body color and translucent washes on parchment, 8 1⁄4 x 6 3⁄16 in.
Ms. 100, fol. 17v

List the shapes you see.

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© 2011 J. Paul Getty Trust

 Understanding Formal Analysis
Introducing Shape
Build a vocabulary of shapes. Use the table below to experiment with drawing different types of shapes.

Geometric shapes
Organic shapes
Triangle Square Rectangle Circle Oval

For a quick drawing exercise, use shapes to create simple forms. Below are some examples.

House Ferris Wheel Castle Boat

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© 2011 J. Paul Getty Trust