Images of American Leadership Cynthia Williams Albany Park Multicultural Academy 7th & 8th Grades Subject: Library Science

[Image of American artwork used in lesson] Emanuel Leutze Washington Crossing the Delaware, 1851 Oil on Canvas Metropolitan Museum of Art

about Washington Crossing the Delaware Key Information about Washington Crossing the Delaware Leutze’s painting of George Washington is a “romanticized” artistic rendition of an actual historical event. The subjects represent the artist’s political beliefs about diversity, racial inclusion and social equality. This painting symbolizes Washington’s determination and heroism during America’s fight for independence from the British during the Revolutionary War.  Leutze’s work was well received by the public and was a precursor to future commissioned work for both private patrons and the government.

James Karales Selma-to Montgomery March for Voting Rights, 1965 Photographic Print Located in the James Karales Collection, Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University. Photograph © Estate of James Karales

Key Information about Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights 1965 James Karales was a world renowned photojournalist who documented a number of historical social events for popular magazines such as Look! The photograph is from a series the photographer shot over a four day journey in which 25,000 Americans participated. Karales’ positioning of determined marchers outlined against a lowering sky became a “visual anthem” of the Civil Rights movement. The subjects in the photo are diverse, both racially, ethnically, and socio-economically, but share the common goal of social equality and justice for all Americans.

Norman Rockwell Freedom of Speech, The Saturday Evening Post ( February 20, 1943) Oil on canvas Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockwell, MA

Key Information about Freedom of Speech Norman Rockwell was a renowned illustrator whose work appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post ( a monthly magazine) for more than four decades. Freedom of Speech (the first in a series of four paintings titled The Four Freedoms) is credited with spurring U.S. citizens to purchase over $100 million dollars in war bonds during WWII. Rockwell wanted to contribute something of great significance to his country and felt that his artistic depictions of “everyday life” would leave a powerful legacy. Rockwell was most famous for his eye for detail and ability to capture something universal in the commonplace.  

Students learned that: Artists use images to communicate ideas and make social commentary. American artwork can be a lesson in American history. Perspective, imagery, content and color in art are not just aesthetic tools employed by artists, but deliberate and methodical techniques used to enhance stories visually and communicate ideas and feelings about society and the world. A variety of mediums are used in art to communicate ideas about the world around us.

Student Learning Activities: The class performed a close read of each piece of artwork and shared their observations about the following: content, technique, and context. In small groups, students shared their ideas and listed common themes throughout the artwork. Students read brief biographies about each artist and discussed how their life experiences may influence the themes in their art pieces. Students wrote a brief summary of each artwork and designed an informational flyer about the artist and a selected piece of his work. Students created acrostic poems that elaborated on the theme of the art and express their individual understanding and reactions to art. Students worked collectively to complete a banner that synthesized their ideas with the theme of a piece of art.

What my students learned: Art communicates ideas and chronicles the human experience. Integrating American history, the biography of an artist and the context in which a work of art was created can enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the work. Art is all around us and is an integral part of American culture. Art takes on many forms and is not just displayed in museums and galleries. Art is not only a way to share aesthetic beauty, but also can be used as a medium to make social commentary, tell stories of the past and make predictions about the future.

What I learned: Art is an extremely effective tool that communicates complex ideas. Social Science and Language Arts instruction is enhanced when art is integrated into the curriculum. Artwork can be used to stimulate class discussions and/or debate about cultural identity, morality and politics. Most students respond well to art as a visual aid during instruction and can engage “reluctant” and/or “challenging” students. After performing a “close read,” students begin to look at art as not just colors, shapes and objects, but as a lens into both past and present society. Students and teachers learn from each other when they share art. Never underestimate student’s reactions to “reading” art.