Analysing Historical Images

1. Step 1: Observing the Image

1.1. Observe the image and make a note of shape, colours, textures, people, setting, objects and writings.

1.2. If there are people in the image, how are they dressed? What is their expression?

1.3. If there are buildings or equipments in the image, what is it?

2. Step 2: Context of the image

2.1. What type of image is it? Is it a painting? Is it an official photograph of an event? Is it official? Is it candid?

2.2. Where is the image from? What is the context of the image? When was it painted/photographed? Is there a caption? What does it say?

2.3. What was the motive of the photographer or the painter to capture this image? Was it to celebrate, to persuade, to mock, to document?

3. Step 3: Analysis and Interpretation

3.1. What stands out in the image? Why?

3.2. What are some questions you have about the image that might help you with better analysis?

3.3. What does your observation of the people, objects, buildings, writing, facial expressions suggest about the time, place and purpose of the image?

3.4. What is the overall mood of the image? What does that signify?

3.5. Is there something that might have been left out in the image? What is it? Why would it be left out?

4. Step 4: Conclusion and Connection

4.1. What is the value/significance of the image to the unit of study?

4.2. How can this image be used as a piece of evidence?

4.3. What other events/people does this image connect to?

4.4. What are some other questions you need to research to understand something fully?