Which term refers to the initial step of art criticism that involves detailing what is seen in a work of art?

• A. Description
• B. Evaluation
• C. Deconstruction
• D. Formalism

Answer: (A)

In art criticism, the initial step is describing what is visible in the artwork. This means noting subject matter, how the scene is laid out, and the concrete features you can observe: colors, lines, shapes, textures, light and shadow, perspective, and the medium or materials used. The goal is to record observable details without judging or interpreting them, establishing a clear, objective account of what the work presents.

This is why the term describing what you see is the best fit. After describing, you move on to analyzing how those elements work together, interpreting possible meanings, and ultimately evaluating the work. Other terms refer to later stages or different approaches: evaluation involves judging quality or merit; deconstruction focuses on challenging assumptions about meaning and origins; formalism centers on formal qualities like line, color, and composition rather than what is depicted or what it might mean.