How to comment visual works of art

Abstract

Is it useful or even indispensable to propose to museum or temporary exhibition visitors a commentary, either brief or developed, on exhibited works? Or to do so, what seems to testify of good didactic intention, is superfluous, even harmful? The answer to the question varies according to what kind of work is concerned. Moreover it depends on the way of the commentator’s proceeding. What type of commentary will he or she provide? Historical information? Formal analysis? Suggestion of what the work means? How to perceive what each work of art requires?