Pre-Visit+Graphic+Organizer

This activity aims to teach the critical skill of "reading" a work of art. Students are encouraged to consider their prior knowledge of the historical period and to make inferences about the artist's circumstances and possible intent. After completeing this activity, student's will have honed a technique enabling them to better examine and interpret art in historical context. This lesson is ideal for, but not limited to, a class that is planning on visiting the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), either in-person or via videoconference.