The Renaissance - Printmaking and Anatomy

Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci

Seventh grade students learned that Renaissance means "Rebirth" and that this period in art history started in Florence, Italy.  During this time, Gutenburg invented the printing press and •Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. 

Sketchbook, Leonardo da Vinci

From Leonardo's sketchbooks, we can see that he was a genius who was fascinated with all kinds of subjects:  •Science, •Math , •Engineering , •Sculpture, •Architecture, •Botany (study of plants), •Music and Anatomy (study of the body).   After viewing several examples of da Vinci's sketches of skeletons, students followed in the footsteps of both Leonardo and Gutenburg.  First they drew a model of a skeleton, then traced it onto a foam printing plate.  After inking the plate with a brayer, students "pulled a print."

Woven Dog Mosaics



Dog Mosaic from ancient Pompeii




Woven Dog Mosaic by Gugger Petter

 Eighth grade students learned that mosaics are pictures that are created by gluing together small pieces of tile or glass that fit together like a puzzle.  After viewing examples of ancient Roman mosaics, students viewed the work of contemporary artist Gugger Petter whose work has been influenced by this ancient art form.  Petter weaves newspapers to create images that look like mosaics.

Students created their own dog mosaics by first painting two versions of the same picture and then weaving them together.

Egyptian Scarab Beetles

 

The ancient Egyptians believed that the scarab beetle had special powers to protect or bring good fortune.  They used the design of a scarab beetle in many ways. Seals were created in the shape of a scarab and used to stamp documents. Artisans made scarab jewelry using precious gems and painted clay. The same design was used to make good luck charms and amulets to ward off evil.  After studying this unique art form, sixth grade students created their own scarab beetles out of clay and painted them gold.

 

Self Portraits with a Twist

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Self-Portrait, Albrecht Durer

Sixth grade students learned that Renaissance means “Rebirth" and that this period in art history started in Florence, Italy between 1400 and 1500.   After viewing Albrecht Durer's self-portrait, who was one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, they followed tradition by drawing their own self-portraits but with a twist;  they had to show what they want to be when they grow up.