Introduce a Lesson
Scandals, Vandals, and Da Vincis: A Gallery of Remarkable Art Tales, Harvey Rachlin (2007)
This book is a compilation of short stories about various artists and artworks. Some notable chapters for introducing lessons include:
Benjamin Franklin (1759) by Benjamin Wilson (p. 79)
For introducing lessons about...
George Washington (Athenaeum Head) (1796) by Gilbert Stuart (p. 133)
For introducing lessons about...
Charles IV and His Family (1800) by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (p. 143)
For introducing lessons about...
Slave Ship (Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying - Typhoon Coming On) (1840) by Joseph Mallord William Turner (p. 161)
For introducing lessons about...
Guernica (1937) by Pablo Picasso (p.267)
For introducing lessons about...
Christ of Saint John of the Cross (1951) by Salvador Dalí (p. 281)
For introducing lessons about...
Notable Quotes
“One of the great joys of art is learning the stories of paintings, but there may be a myriad of enthralling yarns associated with a work of art, some of which are known while others remain hidden.” (pg. xvii)
“Within the confines of a single frame, a painting opens a window on a world of tales, from anecdotes to parables, to allegories, to epics. These tales may be real-life casts of characters who are colorful and engaging, including – besides the great artists themselves – kings, queens, wealthy patrons, celebrated historical figures, soldiers, spies, marauders, art sleuths, and even the mentally deranged. Each comes alive within the subtext of the brushstrokes, and a single painting can have a multitude of such stories.” (pg. xix)
“The story behind a painting transcends the work’s aesthetic qualities and offers a redemptive message, which may be the fundamental significance of art. It’s about us and our neighbors and humankind as a whole, a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re heading, who we are and how we relate to this world. It’s about love and hate and desire and greed, about sensuality and tolerance and hope and faith. Joy, rage, compassion, contempt, boldness, conviction, and courage – art is all these things, and more.” (pg. xxii)
“Art is about life, and ultimately the stories behind it are not art stories but human stories.” (xxii)“To many art lovers, a painting is just a painting, an image to be admired for its artistry and beauty. To those who know the story behind a painting, however, the work may evoke a range of powerful emotions.” (pg. 101)
“In Spain, Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes, in the service of the king and queen, showed that even a highly regarded court painter could use art to humble the Crown.” (p. 147)
Benjamin Franklin (1759) by Benjamin Wilson (p. 79)
For introducing lessons about...
- ownership
- visual culture
- What happens to artwork during wartime? What should happen to artwork when wars end?
- Who owns artwork?
- What is the function of a portrait?
- What is visual culture?
- How did portraiture serve as the visual culture of the time period?
George Washington (Athenaeum Head) (1796) by Gilbert Stuart (p. 133)
For introducing lessons about...
- visual culture
- printmaking
- What is visual culture?
- How does art function in our visual culture?
- Name some other examples of artworks that have become part of our visual culture.
- Why is this painting important?
- In what ways has printmaking or print technology impacted our lives?
Charles IV and His Family (1800) by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (p. 143)
For introducing lessons about...
- Portraiture (imperial portraits, idealized images, etc.)
- Social awareness
- Art and Social Studies
- Why did Goya paint his subjects as he saw them rather than idealized? What impact does this have on the viewer?
- Why did Goya include himself in the painting?
- How did the social and political context of the time influence Goya's artwork?
- How does a portrait reflect the identity of the subject?
Slave Ship (Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying - Typhoon Coming On) (1840) by Joseph Mallord William Turner (p. 161)
For introducing lessons about...
- Historical painting
- Social awareness
- Art and Social Studies
- Judging/evaluating artwork
- Why did Turner paint this horrific scene?
- On what grounds do we judge artwork?
- How does the story behind the painting change your opinion of the artwork?
- What functions do historical paintings serve?
Guernica (1937) by Pablo Picasso (p.267)
For introducing lessons about...
- The power of art
- Social awareness
- Art and Social Studies
- What inspired Picasso?
- How did Picasso feel while creating Guernica?
- What responsibility did Picasso feel about creating this artwork?
- To what extent was Picasso successful in accomplishing his artistic goal with Guernica?
- How did Guernica's display at the World's Fair affect its impact on the viewer?
- What do you think of Picasso's statement to critics about his artwork (p. 277)?
- Why did Picasso refuse to exhibit Guernica in Spain?
Christ of Saint John of the Cross (1951) by Salvador Dalí (p. 281)
For introducing lessons about...
- Religious painting
- Surrealism
- Perspective
- Alternative viewpoints
- Why did Dalí choose to paint Christ in this way (so differently common depictions)?
- How was Dalií's portrayal of Christ different than others throughout history?
- What makes this portrait so important that Glasgow wanted to purchase it?
- Why were people angry that Glasgow purchased the painting?
- What would provoke someone to physically attack this painting?
Notable Quotes
“One of the great joys of art is learning the stories of paintings, but there may be a myriad of enthralling yarns associated with a work of art, some of which are known while others remain hidden.” (pg. xvii)
“Within the confines of a single frame, a painting opens a window on a world of tales, from anecdotes to parables, to allegories, to epics. These tales may be real-life casts of characters who are colorful and engaging, including – besides the great artists themselves – kings, queens, wealthy patrons, celebrated historical figures, soldiers, spies, marauders, art sleuths, and even the mentally deranged. Each comes alive within the subtext of the brushstrokes, and a single painting can have a multitude of such stories.” (pg. xix)
“The story behind a painting transcends the work’s aesthetic qualities and offers a redemptive message, which may be the fundamental significance of art. It’s about us and our neighbors and humankind as a whole, a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re heading, who we are and how we relate to this world. It’s about love and hate and desire and greed, about sensuality and tolerance and hope and faith. Joy, rage, compassion, contempt, boldness, conviction, and courage – art is all these things, and more.” (pg. xxii)
“Art is about life, and ultimately the stories behind it are not art stories but human stories.” (xxii)“To many art lovers, a painting is just a painting, an image to be admired for its artistry and beauty. To those who know the story behind a painting, however, the work may evoke a range of powerful emotions.” (pg. 101)
“In Spain, Francisco Jose de Goya y Lucientes, in the service of the king and queen, showed that even a highly regarded court painter could use art to humble the Crown.” (p. 147)