What should I include if I get a visual analysis question on how drama is created in an artwork?

The first thing to remember is that the question usually asks you to visually analyse drama in relation to one or two aspects of the artwork. Helpfully, these are usually quite general. For example, if the question mentions setting then this includes everything from the weather, to the lighting, to any figures that are included, allowing you to analyse a range of aspects.
Questions about drama, because of the broadness, are also a great opportunity to use technical terms. ‘Chiaroscuro’ is an excellent one if there is a stark contrast in lighting (it is quite literally Italian for ‘light-dark’). However, it is also important that you use these technical terms to demonstrate why there is drama, rather than simply showing the examiner that you know these words. If you mention a term like chiaroscuro, use this as a springboard. Explain how this dramatic lighting makes the painting look performative or staged. If there are figures, analyse where the light falls and whether it illuminates facial expressions that increase this drama and aid the viewer’s understanding. You will find that your response has far more depth if you justify and unpack the points that you make rather than simply pointing out what you see and realising that your response is too short or too vague!

OT
Answered by Olivia T. History of Art tutor

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