Shiva Lord of the Dance (Nataraja)

Research each topic and write two pages using the information you learned. The questions are suggestions for research and you do not have to
answer them all.
1) DESCRIPTION: Write a topic sentence stating the title of the artwork. Then tell me what you
see. If there are human figures what are they doing? How are they posed? What are they
wearing? What are the expressions on their faces? Tell me about the non-human figures. Include
relative sizes, positions and colors used as you describe each figure.
2) MEDIUM: What is the substance the artist uses to make the work of art? Where does it come
from? What properties does it have that make it a good medium for art? Why does an artist use
this medium? What advantages and disadvantages does it have?
3) THE ARTIST’S PROCESS: Tell me what the artist does to turn medium into the artwork.
What tools does he use? What techniques does he use? What are the steps?
4) THE SUBJECT: What is featured on the object, or what does the object represent? Does the
artwork represent a particular myth or story? If so, tell me a version of the myth and how this
artwork tells the story. If there is an original source for the myth or story, you must research it
and include quotes from related literature.
5) THE CULTURE: Tell me about the people who created this work of art. In which culture was
the artist living? What were the people like? Where did they live and how did they live? Who
were the rulers during the century when the artwork was made? What building was done during
that time?
6) THEME: Start this section by writing “The theme of this artwork is __.” Find one word that sums up the main idea you have when looking at
the artwork. Tell me what you see on the artwork that brings the theme to mind. Tell me why the theme is important to human life. Explain how the
theme is present in your own life.