How to Use The Sources
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Modern history lessons are based on work with sources. The procedures and methods of scholarly research are thus – at a simplified level – simulated under the guidance.
The following stages of image analysis can be applied depending on the learning objective and importance of the image for the lesson in question.
a) Describe what is to be seen in the picture, based on:
- Spontaneous assertions on its effect;
- Intensive contemplation;
- A systematic inventory;
- Assertions on the art form (photograph, lacquer painting, etc.);
- Assertions on the size.
b) Analyse the iconographic structure, by:
- Categorising the genre of the image (portrait, landscape, etc.);
- Asserting the thematic content;
- Defining precise objects, deciphering symbols and identifying persons by obtaining supplementary information;
- Assertions on the composition of the image (foreground, background, diagonal structural features, particularly noteworthy aspects);
- Contemplating perspectives (bird’s- or worm’s-eye view, guided vision);
- Considering light effects (contrasts of light and shadow, reflections, light sources);
- Assessing the colour scheme (dominant colours, contrasts, flat areas, contours).
c) Interpret the image, by:
- Forming general statement about the image;
- Synthesising individual findings into an evaluation of the image as a whole (e.g. the intended effect of the means of composition, what the colour scheme is supposed to emphasise, the intended light effects, etc.);
- Identifying connections with the historical context;
- Critically verifying sources.
