Grades/Level: High School (9–12)
Subjects: Visual Arts, English–Language Arts
Time Required: 2–Part Lesson
One to two class periods
Author: J. Paul Getty Museum Education Staff

Permissions:
The lesson plan and downloadable materials on this page are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Lesson Overview

Students will examine two paintings and discuss the use of architectural elements and vantage points in the paintings. Referring to the elements of art, students will also examine how three-dimensional shapes are transformed into two-dimensional forms in paintings, as well as the use of indoor space vs. outdoor space.

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:
• identify architectural elements in paintings.
• compare different vantage points in paintings.
• discuss methods of representing a three-dimensional building in a two-dimensional painting.
• write an essay exploring the use of spaces or perspective in a painting.

Materials

• Reproduction of The Interior of St. Bavo, Haarlem by Pieter Jansz. Saenredam
• Reproduction of View of the Grand Canal and the Dogana by Bernardo Bellotto
• Background Information and Questions for Teaching about The Interior of St. Bavo, Haarlem
• Background Information and Questions for Teaching about View of the Grand Canal and the Dogana
• Student Handout: "Architecture Vocabulary"
• Student Handout: "Elements of Art"
• Student Handout: "From 3D to 2D: Analyzing Paintings about Architecture"
• Paper (8 1/2" x 11")
• Pencils and/or pens

Lesson Steps

1. Show students the reproduction of The Interior of St. Bavo, Haarlem by Pieter Jansz. Saenredam.

2. Pass out copies of the "Architecture Vocabulary" handout.

Note: Words in bold on this page and/or handouts are defined in the "Architecture Vocabulary" handout for this curriculum. (See the links listed in the "Art & Architecture Contents" menu above.)

3. Pass out copies of the "Elements of Art" handout from the Getty website.

4. Have a class discussion, prompting students with the questions and activities from the Background Information and Questions for Teaching about The Interior of St. Bavo, Haarlem.

5. Show students the reproduction of View of the Grand Canal and the Dogana by Bernardo Bellotto.

6. Have a class discussion, prompting students with the questions and activities from the Background Information and Questions for Teaching about View of the Grand Canal and the Dogana.

7. Then pass out copies of the student handout "From 3D to 2D: Analyzing Paintings about Architecture," along with paper and pencils and/or pens.

8. Discuss with students the writing activities in the student handout "From 3D to 2D: Analyzing Paintings about Architecture." Tell students to follow the instructions on the handout and complete the activities.

Assessment

Students will be assessed on their
• understanding of architectural elements in paintings.
• comparison of different vantage points in paintings.
• discussion of methods of representing a three-dimensional building in a two-dimensional painting.
• exploration of spaces or perspective in a painting as discussed in an essay.

Standards Addressed

Common Core Standards for English Language Arts

Grades 9–12

WRITING
Text Types and Purposes
1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Production and Distribution of Writing
4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
Comprehension and Collaboration
1. Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.