In this activity, you will:

• Use visual evidence to support interpretations of narrative images.
• Create a drawing of a single moment in time to continue a narrative.

• 30 – 60 mins

• Paper
• Pencils

Look Closely at the Carvings

Look at the image above of the throne (often referred to as the Elgin Throne). Zoom in to see as many details as you can. Then, check out the details in the images below that show the same throne from different angles. Take your time. You’re not looking for the right answer; you’re building a theory.

Notice the shapes and lines before you consider the meaning. Where are the figures positioned? What are their hands doing? What objects are around them? What is the mood of the scene?

Think about what you observed and answer these questions on your own:

• What do you think the figures are doing? What specific details make you think that?
• What objects can you identify in the scene?
• What might the figures be thinking or feeling in this moment?
• What do you imagine happened just before this moment?
• What do you think will happen next?

Then, compare your answers with someone else. Pay attention to where you agree and where you see things differently.

Read About the Elgin Throne

Learn more by reading about the Elgin Throne. Find out who these figures actually are, what stories the carvings are depicting, and what scholars and historians understand about the scenes.

Once you’ve finished reading, look at the images again. Does anything look different now that you know more about the throne?

Use Drawing to Continue the Story

Pick one figure from the carvings whose story you want to continue. You’re going to draw a scene that takes place either right before or right after the moment frozen on the throne.

Your drawing should answer at least one of these questions:

• What was this figure doing in the moments just before the scene on the throne?
• What happens to this figure after this moment ends?
• What is this figure feeling, and how can you show that through their posture, expression, or surroundings?

How to Build Your Drawing

• Start with basic shapes. Sketch the figure’s body using simple ovals and lines. Focus on the pose and proportions rather than on details.
• Add in the setting. Where is this scene happening? Indoors or outdoors? What kinds of structures, landscape, or objects are present in this scene?
• Add meaningful details. What objects does your figure carry or interact with? What symbols from the original carving do you want to echo or develop?
• Refine your lines. Once you’re happy with the overall composition, draw over your sketch and sharpen the forms.
• Optional: Add color with colored pencils to reinforce the mood, time of day, or emotional tone.

Your drawing doesn’t have to be perfect! What matters is that it shows a specific moment and that you can point to details on the throne that led you there.

A story being told through pictures or sculptures.