Essay Homework

Your response to the following essay is due by Friday, Feb. 11

Throughout history, works of art have included symbolic or allegorical images.
Select and fully identify two works of art that include symbolic or allegorical images. Your choices must be from different art historical periods. Discuss how each work uses symbols or allegory to convey meaning. (30 minutes)

The following information is provided to official scorers by the College Board, and is worthy of being heeded by the student as well.

Background: Artists use symbols and allegories to convey abstract concepts, human qualities, moral lessons, or hidden meanings that allude to more than what is first apparent to the eye. Although artists generally use symbols and allegories that are part of a visual language shared by people of a particular culture, time, and/or place, they may also choose to represent images and narratives of a personal or esoteric nature, thus denying most viewers full access to the work’s meaning.

This question asks students to discuss the construction of meaning through the use of symbolic or allegorical images in a work of art. Rather than describing a work by simply listing the symbols and what they represent, students are asked to discuss how symbols or allegories are used to convey meaning.
Points to remember:
• The intent of this question is to get students to think critically and independently about the entire
continuum of the history of art. Thus, students must demonstrate a clear understanding of a
difference and distinction between two art historical periods to earn a higher score.
• Stronger essays offer a full identification of appropriate choices and a complete, accurate
understanding of their symbolic or allegorical content. These essays analyze how symbolic or allegorical images convey meaning. Especially strong essays will demonstrate an understanding of historical context, traditions, cultural attitudes, or religious beliefs.
• Weaker essays use inappropriate choices or have little familiarity with a work’s symbolic or allegorical content. They will fail to discuss how symbols and allegories convey meaning and tend to describe the work instead. Especially weak essays will fail to recognize symbols or allegories in a work of art.