4 | FRQ (Question 5: Short Essay - Attribution) | Practice Sessions | AP Art History

Summary

In this video, Lacey Van Reeth guides students on how to tackle the AP Art History exam's attribution question (FRQ #5), where they must attribute an unknown work to a culture or artist. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on visual similarities with known works, using specific art historical terms, and avoiding unnecessary comparisons based on differences. The video explains how to structure responses, providing clear examples of strong and weak answers. Key tasks include cultural attribution, supporting visual evidence, and explaining how design relates to function, all while adhering to time limits and using precise terminology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on identifying visual similarities between the unfamiliar work and those you have learned about, such as the Colosseum.
• 😀 FRQ number 5 on the AP Art History exam will present a building similar to one studied in the curriculum, but not directly from the 250 required images.
• 😀 The goal of the attribution question is to correctly attribute the work to a specific culture and justify this attribution using visual evidence.
• 😀 Task 1 requires correctly attributing the building to its culture (e.g., Imperial Roman culture) by referencing similar known works.
• 😀 For Tasks 2 and 3, justify the attribution by describing two specific visual similarities between the shown structure and others from the same culture.
• 😀 Task 4 and 5 focus on explaining how the design and/or construction of the building relates to its function, using visual or contextual evidence.
• 😀 The attribution question is about focusing on similarities between works, not differences. Time should not be wasted on differences.
• 😀 Use keywords from the question in your responses to stay focused and meet the task requirements (e.g., 'correctly attribute', 'justify', 'explain').
• 😀 Provide depth in your explanation of how the building’s design serves its function (e.g., how arches support large crowds in an amphitheater).
• 😀 Be concise and specific with your visual examples. Don't just describe general features like 'arches'—identify their role and function.
• 😀 Remember that attribution questions can ask you to attribute works either to a culture or an artist, so be prepared for both scenarios.

Q & A

What is the focus of FRQ #5 in the AP Art History exam?

FRQ #5 focuses on the attribution of an unknown artwork, requiring students to identify the culture or artist that created the work based on visual similarities to known works from the curriculum.

What should you do when encountering an unknown artwork in the attribution FRQ?

You should analyze the visual features of the unknown work, identify similarities with works you've studied in class, and attribute it to the correct culture or artist.

Why is it important to focus on similarities rather than differences in the attribution FRQ?

Focusing on similarities helps you make a stronger, clearer connection between the unknown work and known works. The question is designed to assess your recognition of visual traits and cultural context, not to compare differences.

How can you effectively respond to Task 1 of the attribution FRQ?

For Task 1, you should clearly attribute the work to the correct culture or artist, using specific terminology. For example, identify it as 'Imperial Roman' rather than simply 'Roman,' and connect it to a familiar work like the Colosseum.

What is the correct way to use visual evidence in Task 2 and Task 3?

You should provide at least two specific examples of visual evidence from the artwork that justify your attribution. For instance, you might point out repeated arches or an ovular shape that are characteristic of Roman amphitheaters.

What makes a strong response for Task 4 and Task 5, which involve explaining design and function?

A strong response for Task 4 and Task 5 explains how the design or construction of the work supports its function. For example, using arches and barrel vaults in Roman amphitheaters allowed them to support large crowds and withstand significant weight.

What is an example of a weak response in Task 1?

A weak response in Task 1 might incorrectly attribute the work to the Romanesque culture, as it confuses a medieval style with Imperial Roman architecture, which is the correct context for the work being examined.

How can you incorporate contextual evidence into your response for Task 5?

Contextual evidence in Task 5 might include discussing how the use of concrete in Roman buildings allowed for large-scale construction, like amphitheaters, to hold massive crowds, and how the material's durability ensured the longevity of the structure.

What advice is given for managing time during the FRQ?

You should focus on concise, targeted responses, making sure to address all parts of the question without getting sidetracked by irrelevant details. Time is limited, so it's important to avoid unnecessary comparisons and stick to the key points.

How does the attribution FRQ assess visual recognition skills?

The attribution FRQ assesses your ability to recognize key visual features in an unknown work and connect them to similar works from the curriculum. This requires a strong understanding of artistic styles and cultural characteristics from the period you're studying.