To compare: to examine the character or qualities of, especially to discover resemblances or differences (Webster’s Seventh Collegiate Dictionary).

1. Select two objects.  Make sure they share something in common like technique or subject. Your selection is important.  An example might be two relief sculptures, one in positive and one in negative relief.  Or you might select a Roman marble statue of Venus and a 17th century painting of Venus.  You might want to select two chairs from the decorative arts collection.  

2. Describe them individually, noting their materials, colors, scale, etc.

3. Describe them in relation to one another with particular attention to the resemblances and differences.  

Use the elements of art and principles of design in your essay.  For example, one chair might be composed of organic shapes, another of geometric shapes.  I will be looking for how you use this vocabulary.

Format:  At least two pages of double-spaced prose.  You may include drawings, but they are not obligatory.  (Hint:  it helps to do a drawing as part of your note taking, use your journal for your initial notes and essay.)