Title: "Las Meninas"

Topic: Art description

Level: Intermediate

Focus Age Group: 15 to 18 years

National Standards Goals:

Communication   Cultures   Connections   Comparisons   Communities

Communicative Mode:

Interpretive   Interpersonal   Presentational

NJ Cumulative Progress Indicators:

• 7.1.3  Express likes, dislikes and preferences
• 7.1.9  Describe things using some detail
• 7.2.7  Demonstrate an awareness of contributions made by other cultures

Timeframe: Two full class periods of 45 minutes plus time outside of class

Description of Task:
You are an art critic for your school's Spanish language cable show. After reviewing the versions of "Las Meninas" painted by Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso, prepare a visual commentary comparing and contrasting the three works. Be sure to include a brief description of the style of each artist, the colors and forms used, and the date when the works were painted. Also include your personal preference and reasons for it. You may wish to include a commentary of one other work by each artist which is painted in the same style.

Materials Needed:

• Art resources for Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso.
• Video recorder and tape

Teacher Notes:
Prior to this activity, students should have viewed numerous art samples by a variety of Spanish artists and should be familiar with specific vocabulary needed to discuss each artist's style.

This activity lends itself to interdisciplinary work with the Art Department.

Scoring criteria:
The student is to be rated in each category below with the scores for each category added together to make the total score.

Adaptations:

• This activity might be expanded to include a written script of the oral presentation.
• Similar works by different artists might be selected.

Diana Chase
Howell High School
405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
732.919.2131