Art Game: identifying visual elements

One of the most interesting, dog-eared, and used-often books in this library is Phaidon's The Art Book (1994). It was unique upon publication for presenting great artists in alphabetical order, one representative painting per page for each, rather than chronologically or by "ism." Now, with hundreds or even thousands of works for each artist to chose from, the editors (I believe) left us a wonder challenge to pursue; namely, what visual characteristic do the often disparate images on either side of a two-page spread share; because I believe an argument can be made for each!

Want to play? Well, either pull out your copy of the book or take a look at the following pics.

 Pages 358/359, Piero di Cosimo, 1515 / Pietro da Cortina, 1633

Shape: the cruciform sword hilt and the crucifix; both canted and on the left.

Pages 162/163, Fragonard, 1768 / Francis, 1957

A red biomorphic shape surrounded by its near-compliment.

Pages 168/169, Froment, 1476 / Gabo, 1957

That unique funnel vortex shape, yes?

 Pages 170/171, Gaddi, 1365 / Gainsborough, 1750

I think the diagonal direction of the counter and bench.

Pages 72/73, Avercamp, 1615 / Bacon, 1953

I looked at this one a long time. I think it is the Pope startling mouth and the unassuming arch in the center of the landscape.

I have a copy of this book at home, and with over 250 double-page spreads, it has provided several years worth of artistic detective diversion. I share this pastime because I think it would provide students a worthy class exercise; demonstrating their ability to identify the visual elements of design.