The foregoing approach to making sense out of works of art can be described as aesthetic analysis because it provides a systematic means for encountering a work of art that results in responding to what is inherent within the work itself. As a consequence, the work of art acts upon the viewer, it speaks of its unique character, and forms the basis for both more objective and profound responses.

Obviously, aesthetic analyses can only inform us about the expressive nature of works of art. To fully appreciate the work and to appraise it critically, it is also essential to know about the historical-cultural milieu in which it was created.

To demonstrate the value of learning about the cultural context of works of art, the aesthetic analysis exercise that follows will also include reviewing some of the cultural components associated with the work.