Download Sample Outline

Sample Outline
Major Thesis: The School of Athens perfectly represents the artistic traditions and philosophical beliefs
of the Renaissance art period because of Raphael’s theme, perspective, and subject matter.
Body Paragraph #1: Art Period can constitute 1-2 paragraphs
I.
The perspective and subject matter of the Renaissance art period promoted the Greek ideals of
balance and order. Topic sentence
A. Raphael’s perspective would reiterate the balance sought by both Greeks and Italians in life.
Transition sentence
1. Quote about subject matter (Pigorsch 131). write out all quotations
2. Description of balance and order-perspective (“Raphael Unleashed”). write out
all descriptions
(Body Paragraph #2):
B. The Renaissance period promoted an understanding of how order applied to life. (theme) Topic
sentence/ transition sentence
1. Quoted definition of art period (James 12)
2. Description of perspective (Tomlinson)
3. Description of societal values in 1500s (James 57)
Body Paragraph #2 or 3: Focus Piece/Artist can constitute 1-2 Paragraphs
II.
The School of Athens presents a uniquely Italian look at the need to bring organization and control
into the world using relevant subject matter, unique perspective, and popular themes.
A. Raphael’s themes included a clear focus on humanism.
1. “Raphael groups the solemn figures of thinks and philosophers together in a large,
grandiose architectural work” (“Renaissance Pioneers”).
2. The space is filled with figures, but the overall effect is of calm dignity, with
serene pastels that lend to a mood of reflection inherent to humanist ideals
(“Renaissance Pioneers”).
Body Paragraph #3/4
B. The subject matter itself is both categorical and evenly balanced throughout the painting to give
it a clear perspective.
1. Explanation of Division (Tomlinson)
a. Plato’s group on one side (typically haphazard) commentary is optional
b. Aristotle’s group relatively organized
2. Description of individual philosophers (“Raphael Unleashed”).
3. Quote on foreground and background (“Renaissance Pioneers”).
Body Paragraphs 4/5-12
III.
Raphael, Da Vinci, Botticelli, Titian, and Michelangelo all represent Renaissance values through
subject matter, perspective, and theme.
A. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa maintains Raphael’s focus on the theme of humanism as well as secular
subject matter.
1. Fantastic quote about theme & subject matter (Renaissance 472)
B. Botticelli’s Birth of Venus demonstrates the Renaissance ideal of perspective while also
exploring humanist themes similar to that of School of Athens.
1. Paraphrase about Venus’s foreground/background (Tomlinson)
2. Quote about humanist themes (Qtd. in “Renaissance Pioneers”)
*** Etc***
Complete the outline identifying ALL comparative art pieces.
Write out all quotations/paraphrases
ORGANIZATIONAL OPTIONS FOR SECTION IV:
A. Same Artist
A. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
B. Subject Matter
O
B. Botticelli’s Birth of Venus
C. Theme
R
C. Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin
D. Perspective
D. Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam