Introduction
Formal analysis is a particular type of art description. It is an elucidation of visual art and of the techniques in which specific visual elements in a sculpture have been put together. It also explains how these work within a composition. Formal analysis is restricted to what the analyst observes.
This paper will touch on a formal analysis of two photographs, one for a warrior and the other for a monk. It will describe this two sculptures in detail and try to determine the message the artist was trying to convey by the style and detail used for the artwork creation.
Discussion
Analysis of the warrior photograph
The warrior stands with his two feet flat on a kind of platform, which itself lies on the ground. The right foot is positioned ahead of the left foot with the right lap slightly projecting. He is in only one garment. This garment is folded down to the hip level. The sculpture shows that it has been fastened on the shoulder with a piece of bronze.
The upper and lower lids of the eye are narrow, and the lips are thin and tightly squeezed. The warrior is portrayed in a manner that shows that he is like walking. His posture, with his foot stretching towards us, generates a line and a means of access from our world into his. This sculpture is, therefore, simply categorized as of the late Classical period since the artists of those days were captivated with the structure of human bodies and their locomotion’s.
The space shown directs back from the universe to the back of the sculpture. This confides in a way that so much of it is over shadowed by dark green trees. The margins of this work are not well defined with dark trees that are stranded on both sides. It seems to have been framed on the warriors’ figure in part of a greater scene, and this stresses the significance of the figure.
When viewing this photo, ones eyes are likely to be focused on the concentrated and deep articulated looks on his face and the swords resting on his hands. This two bring to mind the image of a warrior. The upright position of the warriors’ body is a sign of discipline, organization, vanquish and triumph. The legs and feet of the warrior look bigger compared to the rest of the body. This is a clear sign of how the warrior steps out and defeats his enemies.
The base and middle of this photo is more closed than the upper part, which is the warrior. This shows that the warrior has a bit of entrance into the space. In terms of texture, this sculpture is made up of a mixture of smooth (the warrior) and rough portions like the dark green trees around the warrior. The smoothness contributes to the kindness of the warrior while the rough areas are a sense of wickedness, chaos, constraints and torment.
Analysis of the monk photograph
The monk photograph illustrates a three- quarter portrait of a mysterious monk who is bound by oaths of poverty, respect and chastity. The eye is inclined with the descending turn of the face. The upper and lower lids of the eye are wide, and the lips are thick. The monk is bald headed.
He holds a piece of jewellery on his right hand which might have spiritual significance. He also holds another object on his left. There are wrinkles on his face and especially at the bends of his eyes. The mood of this photo is obviously suggested through the position and outlook of the figure. The entire painting works in inducing this response.
The monk as depicted by the photo is lonely but calm, introverted from but linked to his religion. Line quality has been well portrayed in this photo. It is composed of curved, flowing as well as several conspicuous straight elements.
These lines in general strain on the horizontal axis. Some of these curved lines stand out at the edges of the sculpture centered on the monks head. Implausible agony and distress is enclosed in the face of the monk with a head titled expression.
The statue appears life like with plenty of sentiments. The inflated muscles show the strength of his struggle from poverty and obedience to set rules. The monks’ expressions in this case can be illustrated as either confined or dignified or as the decisive depiction of psychological anguish associated with the struggle for freedom. The eyes are raised as a sign of reproach to God.
Comparison and Contrast between the two photographs
The warrior is bathed in deep light; setting his figure vividly against the area that he occupies. The weak lighting source behind him is a sign of the distinctive nature of the portrait. The monk is, however, bathed with weak light with a strong lighting source behind him. This two lighting structure, employed by both artists makes the two portraits to appear totally as three dimensional and practical. The monk is bald- headed while the warrior has his head crowned.
Conclusion
This work of art puts into word messages taking into account the significance of religion and wars since this are indeed highly important for the existence of present nations and the survival of their future generations. The two statues point towards various modern day ideas in such a way that the theme of religion and wars is always present.