Grades/Level: High School (9–12)
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

Permissions:
The lesson plan and downloadable materials on this page are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Lesson Overview

Students will compare and contrast different perspectives of the French Revolution as depicted in two works of art. Students will discuss the use of satire and caricature to comment on historical and current events and will create satirical cartoons based on contemporary issues.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:
• compare and contrast different perspectives of the French Revolution as depicted in two 19th-century works of art;
• conduct independent research on the French Revolution or Industrial Revolution, focusing on the effects of these events on daily life;
• discuss the use of satire and caricature to comment on historical and current events;
• create cartoons that utilize satire to comment on contemporary issues.

Materials

• Reproduction of Contemptuous of the Insults by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes
• 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 works of art (click on the thumbnails of the works below)
• 9 x 12 inch Bristol board
• Pencils
• India ink
• Small natural-hair brushes

Lesson Steps

Download the complete lesson by clicking on the "download this lesson" icon above.

Additional Resource:
Learn more about and compare A 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).

Standards Addressed

Common Core Standards for English Language Arts

Grades 9–12

WRITING
Research to Build and Present Knowledge
7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
Comprehension and Collaboration
1. Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.


For more national and California state standards for this curriculum, refer to the charts found in the links at the top right of this page.