A contextual analysis (contextual criticism) considers aspects that are outside the work of art itself. This could be how the work compares to other works by the same artist. It could be comparing the work to other works that are similar to it by other artists. It could be an attempt to determine the cultural influences on the work. It could be looking to see if this is the first of its kind or the best example of its kind. Basically, anything that can be considered that is not restricted to just a formal analysis becomes a part of a contextual analysis.