Grades/Level: Middle School (6–8) Subjects: Visual Arts, History–Social Science Time Required: 3–5–Part Lesson 3-4 class periods, plus independent research Author: J. Paul Getty Museum Education Staff
Students will compare and contrast how two late-19th-century paintings depict celebrations in different ways through the artists' use of satire and color. Students will explore the historical context surrounding both canvases and create a painting of a celebration employing artistic techniques learned from the pictures.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
• compare and contrast the celebrations portrayed in two late-19th-century paintings and explore the use of satire to communicate a critical viewpoint;
• describe the effects of the Industrial Revolution on society and economy;
• examine an artist's critique of his society through painting;
• create an original painting of a favorite celebration employing artistic techniques learned from two works of art.
Materials
• Reproduction of A Centennial of Independence by Henri Rousseau
• Reproduction of Christ's Entry into Brussels in 1889 by James Ensor
• Background Information and Questions for Teaching about the paintings (click on the thumbnails of the paintings below)
• Student Handout: Comparing Celebrations
• Student Handout: Comparing Depictions of the Farandole
• Student Handout: Symbolism in "A Centennial of Independence"
• Heavy watercolor paper
• Acrylic paint
• Water containers
• Synthetic paintbrushes (such as Golden Taklon or white nylon)
• Rags
Download the complete lesson by clicking on the "download this lesson" icon above.
Additional Resource: Learn more about and compareA Centennial of Independence by Henri Rousseau and Christ's Entry into Brussels in 1889 by James Ensor.
Glossary Terms:
Words in bold on these pages and in the lesson are defined in the glossary for this curriculum (see "For the Classroom" links above).
