Musical Iconology Project
01Winternitz.pdf
This is an optional, extra-credit project worth 100 points. It is designed to give a boost to people who have missed one or more quizzes, but it is open to anybody who wishes to tackle it.
This may not be used as a substitute for the Audacity project.
I. Read the article “The Iconology of Music: Potentials and Pitfalls” by Emanuel Winternitz, former curator of the musical instrument collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Consider the following:
A. What is “iconology”?
B. According to Winternitz, what are the “potentials” that musical scholars can gain from considering iconology?
C. What are the “pitfalls” that scholars need to avoid?
II. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue at 83rd Street. For details about museum hours and directions see: www.metmuseum.org.
1. Wander through the museum and find three works of art from different time periods representing musical instruments from three different Hornbostel & Sachs categories. These need not be paintings—consider sculptures, porcelain figurines, inlaid wood (on walls or furniture), etc.!) If a work of art includes multiple instruments, you may only use it in one category! Artwork in the musical instrument gallery itself is not allowed.
1a. In your own words, write a detailed description of each artwork. Make sure to include the title and artist’s name. Consider the issues raised by Winternitz in the article you read. Where/when was the art made? What can you tell about the instrument from the artwork? Can you reliably tell how the instrument is played? What clues does the artwork give to issues of class and gender as they relate to music? Who plays the instrument and in what context? How accurate is this artistic representation compared to the actual instrument? Does the artwork raise any questions that can’t be answered? These questions are just to get you started; follow your curiosity. . . .
1b. Take a picture of each artwork.
2. Visit the musical instrument gallery. (BEFORE you visit the museum, make sure this area will be open!) Find actual examples of the instruments you described in your choices of artwork.
2a. In your own words, write a detailed description of each instrument. Do not just copy what the museum card says. Consider when the instrument was made, the materials from which it is made, size, shape, and how these characteristics might affect the sound, purpose, or social significance of the instrument. How do your observations of actual instruments in comparison to the artworks you chose illustrate Winternitz’s potentials and pitfalls?
2b. Take a picture of each instrument.
III. Organize your research into a 4-5 page paper that incorporates your detailed descriptions and assesses the points raised by Winternitz.
1. Your paper should include an introduction (with thesis statement) and conclusion that tie together everything you have learned from this assignment. Support your assessment with specific, detailed examples from your observations at the museum.
2. Your paper should be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and a 12-point font.
3. Run your paper through spellcheck. Proofread your work. Read it out loud to catch awkward sentences and unclear thoughts.
Posting Instructions:
1. Upload your essay and photos to Bb.
2. Upload your essay (as either a word doc or a pdf) and six pictures (one for each of the art works you examined and one for each actual instrument).
2a. Use the thread title “Iconology.”
2b. Use the (+) icon. Scroll down and select Dropbox. Click Browse Dropbox and select your files. Click submit. Check that your post includes your paper and 6 photos. Click Submit Post.
Rubric:
Essay shows a thoughtful reading of the assigned article.
Essay reveals student engagement with the article as applied to examples at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Essay reflects a careful viewing of the chosen objects and includes detailed descriptions.
Essay is well organized, formal in tone, free of grammatical errors and typos.
Follows all instructions.
DUE DATE: Sunday, 19 May 2024
Because this is an optional project, absolutely no late submissions will be accepted.

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