VA Comp Assessment 2

Art Criticism
Albreht Durer
Rhinoceros
 Description
What can you learn from the title of the
artwork?

The title Rhinoceros tells the viewer that the artwork is

probably depicting a rhinoceros, or that it is the main focus.
 Description
What subjects in the artwork can you recognize?

I recognize the rhinoceros because it is the only main thing in the

artwork. Its midsection is very noticeable because it is the largest
part of the animal.
 Description
Looking at the elements of design, describe
what qualities you see.

The main elements of design shown are the patterns used to

draw the rhinoceros and show texture and shade it, and value
where the lines get darker to show shading. There are many lines
and shapes used to make the patterns.
 Description
What media and techniques did the artist use?

The artist used hatching and cross-hatching for shading, along

with shape to show pattern.
 Analysis
Emphasis: Is there a dominant element or focal
point that you see first?

There is a focal point. The rhino is the focal point because it is in

the middle of the paper and is one of the only things drawn. The
focal point of that is its belly because it is very large and
emphasized with shading.
 Analysis
Balance: Is there a special balance, or weight,
among the elements? What mood does it
create?

Again, the belly carries a heavier weight and is the main focus,
making the head, eyes and legs look smaller.
 Analysis
Proportion: Do the proportions look normal,
ideal, or unusual? Why?

The proportions are overall normal for a rhino. If it was a regular

animal and the proportions were the same, it would be
considered unusual because of the large midsection and the
hooves.
 Analysis
Pattern: Are elements repeated to create a
pattern? Where? Why?

There are many patterns within this artwork. Such as many lines
used for hatching and cross-hatching, and shapes like circles
used for design. There is also a scale-like pattern covering the
rhinos legs and hooves.
 Analysis
Rhythm or Movement: What visual rhythms or
paths of movement do your eyes follow?
Where? Why?

There is not a lot of movement with the rhinoceros itself

because it is standing still. However, the patterns of swirls and
circles on its belly seem to move upward, being more condensed
at the bottom.
 Analysis
Unity and Variety: What elements bring
together, or unify many parts of the design.
Why? What elements add variety? Why?

The way the drawing is shaded and the plates of armor

overlapping bring this piece together. The many different
patterns and textures, along with a unicorn-horn-looking shape,
add variety.
 Interpretation
Is there symbolism in the artwork? What do you
think it means?

Symbolism in this drawing is the armor covering the

rhinoceros, symbolizing that it is strong and tough.
 Interpretation
What feeling do you think the artist wanted to
give the viewer when looking at the work?

Maybe the artist wanted us to feel a sense of peacefulness and

security. The rhino looks sort of like a guard, standing quietly
covered in armor.
 Interpretation
Does the work remind you of other things you
have experienced?

In this artwork , the rhino looks lonely and isolated. Ive felt
alone before.
 Interpretation
How does the work relate to other ideas or
events in the world and/or in your other
classes?

This artwork relates to the world since rhinoceros poaching is a

bad and popular thing in the world.
 Judgment
What parts of the work make you feel it is a
success or failure?

It is a definite success because of the amazing detail. It looks

realistic from a distance, but you can see all the little patterns up
close. This is a very good technique in art.
 Judgment
What criteria can you list to help others judge
this work?

I would tell others to focus on the amazing techniques used to

shade and add value to the rhino. Its also impressive that the
artist could turn a drawing of just a rhino into a work of art like
this.
 Judgment
How unique is the work? Why do you feel this
work is or is not unique?

This work is very unique because not many other artists use the
techniques and style that this one does. For example, making the
rhino look like it is covered in plates of armor is unique and
slightly abstract.
 Judgment
What are some improvements you feel the artist
could have made to the work?

The artist could have been a bit neater in the cross-hatching on

the ground and maybe add some more detail to the little rocks,
just to make it look more realistic.