Assignment Brief

Gender representation in the arts 

Paintings of the male and female form are a feature of the permanent exhibition at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. In this assignment, you are required to write a 1000 word essay per two students, working as a pair in collaboration, that explores representations of the male and female form in art.

You must examine the representation of the male and female sex and gender in a particular chronological era, compare and juxtapose them, and discuss the similarities and differences. How does the female ideal compare with the male? How have the ideals of femininity, fertility, and female sexuality compare to those of masculinity, virility, and male sexuality? Which elements of the female and male body are exaggerated and which are played down? What about the pose, the facial expression, the clothing (or lack thereof), the hair, make-up and accessories, the gaze, the scenery, and other symbolisms? What do they say about the person? What do they mean? What story do they tell?

Select one (or two) piece(s) of art featured in the exhibition that represent a female and a male form, either realistic or abstract, and of any age, and compare the two different representations. Use the two case studies to develop an argument on the similarities and differences between male and female representation in a specific era and possibly by the same or similar artists.