Compare and contrast two cultural icons from two different cultures: Michelangelo’s David and Coatlicue–
an icon of Aztec culture.
In your essay consider the ways that the concepts of icon and myth are used to create meaning for these
artworks within each culture.
How would members of each society have “read” the formal and visual aspects of these sculptures at the
time they were made?
Do you feel that it is useful to conduct this type of cultural investigation using visual literacy skills? Why or
why not?
For complete credit:
Make sure to use the definitions of icon and myth found in the pdf chapter of the book, not by searching the
internet!
Please DO NOT copy and paste text from the pdf chapter of the book or the illustrated ppt lecture for the
chapter into your essay.
You are being graded on your ability to to read information from different sources (book chapter, lecture and
specific external sources found on the Canvas site) and synthesize it into YOUR OWN answer to the essay
question.
Focus your answer on the research material presented on this Canvas site.
While I appreciate any efforts you make to do outside research, your grade will be based on the material
found on this Canvas site.
200 words minimum, 300 words for a thorough answer.
For up to 2 points of extra credit:
Complete the personal reflection found at the end of Art 305-Art Today-Chapter 01_ILLUSTRATED PPT
LECTURE.pdf
Minimum 100 words in addition to your essay answer.
Watch before you write your essay:


https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/high-ren-florencerome/michelangelo/v/michelangelos-david-and-the-florentine-republic
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/renaissance-reformation/high-ren-florencerome/michelangelo/a/michelangelo-sculptor-painter-architect-and-poet
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-americas/early-cultures/aztec-mexica/v/coatlicue