The Virgin Mary in Art Through the Ages
	Margaret Nicholson Lamar School Meridian MS
	Introduction Slide handout	Slide show on “The Virgin Mary in Art Through the Ages.” Project Assignment
This lesson is designed to serve as either an introduction to or a review of art from the 13th century to the present focusing on one particular subject as painted by various artists. The Power Point presentation can be used as either an introduction to a study of painting or as a review. If used as an introduction, have the students focus on how the paintings “look” and give plenty of time for discussion—what the students notice, what they like or dislike, questions they may raise, etc. If this is serving as a review, it works well to mix up the slide show and have students “put it” back together based on time period and artistic style. The teacher must have access to a computer with Power Point, and it is helpful to have access to a large screen television. Materials Needed:  Slide show on “The Virgin Mary in Art Through the Ages.” I am including a handout for students to work on as they watch the slide show and suggestions for a follow-up project for the students. First the students are shown the slide show. Then, students are asked to compare and contrast the various paintings of the Virgin Mary. (Students will need time to do this, so several class periods should be devoted to showing and reshowing the slide show. Students work well in small groups on this.  If this is not possible, the students could be given their own copy of the presentation to take home to study and analyze on their own.) Next, have students write a response commenting on the various depictions of the Virgin Mary. Then, have students choose a subject of their own to trace, for example, other Biblical subjects such as The Crucifixion, specific scenes or subjects from mythology, common subjects of paintings such as variations on a still life, war scenes, historical ones, etc. When finished, students present their project to the class.   *** I would like to give credit to Mary Garrard for giving me the idea for this project.
Slide handout
Slide # _____      Artist_________________                               Date/Time Period_______   What is the subject matter of the painting?       Who is in the painting besides Mary?       Give 3 adjectives that could be used to describe the way Mary is portrayed.       How would you describe the others? The background?     How realistic is the painting?         Describe the artist’s use of color.       What is your overall general reaction to this painting?       Slide # _____      Artist_________________                               Date/Time Period_______   What is the subject matter of the painting?       Who is in the painting besides Mary?       Give 3 adjectives that could be used to describe the way Mary is portrayed.       How would you describe the others? The background?     How realistic is the painting?         Describe the artist’s use of color.       What is your overall general reaction to this painting?
Project Assignment   ·        Choose a person, (Biblical, historical, fictional, or mythological) event or subject that has been the subject of paintings by different artists over the course of many years. ·         Find at least 10 paintings and create your own Power Point presentation to present to the class. ·         The paintings chosen should represent different time periods, artists, and artistic periods. ·        Your presentation should include biographical information on the artist, information on the historical/artistic time period, and any pertinent or interesting information about the painting itself.  ·        You should include a bibliography at the end of your presentation.     *** If you have trouble choosing a topic, come by after school for suggestions.
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