which theories focus attention on the composition of an artwork and how earlier artworks may have influenced it?

Theories that focus on the composition of an artwork and on how earlier artworks may have influenced it are formalism and contextual/appropriation-based art-historical approaches , but in the context of common art-appreciation questions, the expected answer is usually formalism theories.

Quick Scoop

In many art appreciation and exam-style questions, “theories that focus attention on the composition of an artwork and how earlier artworks may have influenced it” are pointing to formalism (formalist theories) and closely related stylistic analysis.

• Formalism (formalist theories) looks closely at line, color, shape, balance, rhythm, and overall composition , treating the artwork’s formal elements as the main source of its meaning and value.

• Because formalism compares styles and visual structures, it naturally invites comparisons with earlier artworks whose compositions, color schemes, or structural arrangements may have served as models or influences.

In many multiple‑choice resources and homework helpers, the direct question you quoted is answered with “formalism” or “formalist theories” as the correct choice.

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