Lucy AugustineSmyser School 7th Grade

Social Studies and Language Arts

Apotheosis of George Washington

Terra Teacher Lab 2007-08

Sacred to the Memory ofWashington, 1802

Unidentified Chinese artist After John James Barralet

Oil on glass

Terra Foundation for American Art

  

Key Ideas about the artwork that informed the lesson:

Civic virtues and democratic valuesResponsibilities of a citizenClassical imagery• SymbolismWashington as the most venerated figure in American history

What I wanted students to learn:

Symbols may represent ideasPaintings tell stories and can be readArtists use color, light, and lines to direct your focusWhat an apotheosis isWhat an allegory is•Art shapes and reflects history, society and everyday life•To appreciate American art

A few major learning activities:

•Identify and define the rights and responsibilities of citizenship• Generate a definition of civic virtue•Research common symbols and identify what they representAnalyze, interpret, and research John James Barralet and the painting the Apotheosis of George WashingtonWrite a poem about George Washington that highlights his qualities, virtues, and traitsGenerate a “top ten” list of American heroes

What my students learned:

Symbols represent ideasPaintings tell storiesArt reflects society’s beliefsGeorge Washington was respected and venerated by the populace

What I learned

How to conduct a “Close read” of a work of artArt reflects the feelings and beliefs of societyArt enhances and enriches the academic curriculumAll artworks tell a story