I am in an art appreciation class which is calling for a critical review essay of three artistic works throughout the Baroque time period of any medium. The professor has listed specific information as to what they are wishing to be included however I am unsure how to write a critical essay without personal thoughts/opinions. As without some personal opinion I would think it would be more of a research essay. Thus I am unsure where to start, how to formulate, etc. and am turning here for assistance. The task is the following:

Write a three page critical essay about three sets of artistic works from the Baroque period. The goals of this essay are to state your reasoned opinioned about the works and evaluate it. Although you are stating your opinion, your attitude should be detached. The “critical” aspect of the essay refers to this detached attitude, not whether you react positively or negatively to the art form. Thus, three works of art can/should include three pieces of architecture, sculpture, paintings, music, literature, philosophy or a mixture of the arts. It should be an in depth analysis on the works and include the following points:

? A description of the works, including the style.
? A summary of the artists’ point of view.
? An explanation of how the works fit into the context of the time period.
? An evaluation of the works. (Compare and contrast the three – explain the quality, symbolism, meaning and significance of the works)
? Compare the works and to others within the timeframe
? What is going on in other arts in the time frame
? Compare and contrast individual elements and state how they relate to others within the time and what makes them individualistic and stand out within the era
? What religious, political or other trends assisted with the components of the overall style for these and other components for the overall style