#  Object Analysis 

 



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## Analysis

After you introduce an object to your paper and provide the tombstone data you should move on to object analysis. This can include a brief description of what the object looks like (or what you see). The length and detail of this description is up to you and should suit the needs of your paper. ***You must also discuss why this object is important to your argument, or the larger revelance.** This should make up the majority of your object analysis.*

   ![Red figure lekythos](/sites/g/files/omnuum8511/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/classicswrites/files/43181551.jpeg?itok=mqFLEYmG) 

 

*Lekythos (oil flask): Nike (Victory) Pouring a Libation at an Altar, Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler 3 Museum, Loan from Estate of Donald Upham and Mrs. Rosamond U. Hunter, Photo President and Fellows of Harvard College, 4.1908. Image used with permission from Harvard Art Museums.*#### An example of a brief object description:

"A winged Nike, holding a phiale in her right hand and an oinochoe in her left hand, approaches a flaming altar from the right. Nike wears a pleated and decorated garment, and she has bracelets painted on her wrists. She wears a diadem in her hair, and turns to look away from the altar. From this image, we can tell that she is about to make a libation, or a liquid offering, on the altar."

*After you describe the object, don't forget to write **why it is important for your argument—your object analysis!** Your analysis should be related back to your "so what?" question of your* [*thesis statement*](/thesis-statements)*, and object analysis should support the larger argument you make in your paper.*

## Best Practices

When describing an image in general, it is best to move across the visual plane systematically, especially if your image is narrative or incorporates multiple figures. This often means moving in one direction (e.g. right to left or top to bottom), or by grouping topics in a organized manner. Imagine you had to describe the image to someone who cannot see the object. What features must you include? Have you described it in a logical way? After you write your brief description, move on to the most important section of your analysis: ***Why is it important? What does this object tell us, and how does it relate to your main argument? What can we learn from it? Why did you decide to include** **this object?***

### **Learn to look: how to approach objects**

1. ***Take your time!*** Don’t rush through your visual analysis, and come back frequently to re-examine the object.
2. ***Use the*** [***Peabody Guide to Looking***](https://peabody.harvard.edu/guide-looking) ***to help focus your gaze.*** This guide walks you through a series of questions to help you categorize information and see various aspects of an object.
3. ***Consider perspective and context.*** Does the object change if you move around it? If you use it? If you have it displayed in the air? Remember that many ancient objects were used in antiquity, and not necessarily displayed as art.