Final answer:
Contextual analysis is the evaluation method used to determine a work of art's meaning by considering historical, cultural, and social circumstances outside of the artwork itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The analysis that involves looking outside the work of art in order to determine its meaning is known as contextual analysis. Unlike formal analysis, which focuses on the formal qualities of art such as line, texture, and color, contextual analysis explores the historical, cultural, and social circumstances that influence the creation and interpretation of an artwork. Factors such as the work's iconography, function, and the time and place in which it was created are all considered within a contextual analysis. It is an essential method for understanding both the subject matter and the broader significance of a work of art.