Use this activity to prepare students for the “Garden Sculpture" activity that you will guide them through on your class visit to the Getty Villa.

Materials
Download the following items from the activity page on the Getty Web site: http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/trippack/villa_garden_sculpture.html

• Slideshow: Architecture and Gardens at the Getty Villa (focus on slides 24–49)
• Map of the Getty Villa
• Image of the following work of art, which students will see at the Getty Villa:
-	Head of Young Bacchus, Roman, A.D. 1–50
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=35429

• Images of the following works of art for Step 4 below. These could have been displayed in a garden in antiquity. Students may see these in the galleries on their visit to the Villa.
-	Head of Emperor Augustus, Roman, about A.D. 50
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=9335
-	Victorious Youth, Greek, 300–100 B.C.
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=8912
-	The Lansdowne Herakles, Roman, about A.D. 125
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=7638
-	Bear, Roman, A.D. 100–125
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=8066
-	Head of a Young Boy, Roman, A.D. 50–200
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=7996
- 	Marbury Hall Zeus, Roman, A.D. 1–100
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=8133
- 	Herm of Hermes, Roman, A.D. 50–100
http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=9913

Activity Steps
Use slides 24-49 of the Architecture and Gardens at the Getty Villa slideshow to show students images of gardens and garden sculpture from ancient Roman villas, as well as replicas that they will see in the gardens at the Getty Villa. Students will discuss the role of gardens and garden sculpture in antiquity; draw connections to modern gardens; and think about the functional, social, and aesthetic role of gardens.

Step 1
Explain to your students that during their visit to the Getty Villa, they will be working on a self-guided lesson called “Garden Sculpture.” They will learn about types of ancient Roman villa gardens, and the role of sculpture in ancient gardens. 

Step 2
Talk to your students about what a Roman villa is and show students images (slides 2-6 and 9) of the Getty Villa and of other ancient Roman villas. 

Step 3
Talk about the different types of gardens one would find at an ancient Roman villa, and describe the functions they had in daily life (slides 24-49 cover the Getty Villa’s gardens).

A large garden, such as the Outer Peristyle at the Getty Villa, would have provided a space for socializing and engaging in stimulating conversation about politics, religion, and philosophy. A smaller garden, such as the East Garden at the Getty Villa, would have had a more private function, providing a quiet space where the children could have lessons. Gardens were not only for enjoyment, but provided necessary food for the household. The design of the Herb Garden at the Getty Villa is based on archaeological evidence and the actual plans in ancient Roman herb gardens. 

Step 4
Tell students that garden sculptures often symbolized the theme or function of the garden where they were placed. For instance, statues depicting gods or goddesses protected the garden, or signified that the garden was a place of worship. Statues of athletes, philosophers, or politicians placed in an outer peristyle would have most likely served as source of inspiration for reflection and conversations among the villa owner and his guests. Use any of the images of statues in the museum collection listed in the Materials section above to explore the different meanings these objects would project if displayed in a garden. Ask students to reflect on spaces in their own homes that spark discussion (dining room, TV room, etc.) and what objects in those rooms generate conversation.

Step 5
Discuss the role of gardens in modern architecture. Encourage students to reflect on the functional, social, and aesthetic role of gardens today.