Art and History

Historical Perspective

through

Artistic Representation

Proce

dure

One way: Provide a

variety of art

from the Era or event

you are studying.

Boston Massacre

10 b

y 10

In small groups of 3 or 4,

students will look carefully at the artwork

or photo. They will write down 10

observations of the piece,

answering the question,

“What do you see?” They will then write 10

questions that they would

want answered about the

work.

Quest

ions

you

may

Consi

der

Something about:The event The perspective or viewpoint The moodThe people The eraThe weather The …

Gra

dual R

ele

ase

So, that was the teacher giving the procedureLet’s do one together:5 observations of the

piece, answering the

question, “What do you see?”5 questions that you

would want answered

about the work.

10 b

y 10

Painting

Proce

ssin

g

OK, so what can you say

about this painting, solely based on your

observations and questions?What can you say about

this method for beginning the study of a

historical event?Write your ideas to share

with a small group…

Procu

ring

Where do I get the paintings?Americanart.si.edu

/collections/searchAmericanart.si.edu/collections/multime

diaAmericanart.si.edu/exhibitionsGoogle images(!)