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If the work you are studying is an abstraction you will need to focus on:
Paint handling
Direction and flow
Color use
Mood
Researching the artist
The end of your essay should reiterate the important points that you made, yet leave the reader with something more to
think about.
Drawing Conclusions:
You should attempt to explain why you think the artist painted himself in this way.
Rembrandt made a self-portrait almost every year of his life, beginning about age twenty. The early portraits
depict a smiling, self-confident, prosperous Rembrandt. These were probably intended to be advertisements of
his skill to attract commissions. Clearly this painting was not designed to attract commissions. Perhaps this
painting's intent was to capture a more honest, uncensored truth of the artist's life. He could have made himself
look however he wanted, but he chose this somber pose.
Conclusion:
Reiterate your thesis and the important points you made, and leave the reader with something more to think about.
Though we do not absolutely know why he depicted himself in this dark way, we must assume that Rembrandt
was certainly trying to both evoke and express a feeling of uncomfortable defeat. Perhaps Rembrandt has
painted the reality of his life-- a dimly lit, cold room; worn, dark clothes; a pensive, tired expression-- and his
current emotional state without hiding behind flashy clothes and bright colors.
2. Use specific examples (quotes) from the text to support your thesis.
3. Analyze the quotes that you use in a way that proves your argument.
III. Conclusion
A. Summarize the main points of your argument.
B. Briefly restate your (now proven) thesis.
C. Perhaps leave the reader with a broad statement to provoke further thought.