Teaching History Through Art

Teaching History Through Art covers ancient history through the Renaissance. Because a culture's art gives insights into their society, ample illustrations, lively and informative text, and related activities teach us about civilizations through the ages. For example, one activity is on Vase Painting, with information related to the Archaic period from about the late seventh century B.C. to 480 B.C. Two photographs of Grecian vases are displayed, with corresponding art activities. One is to make a vase with a picture on it, starting with self-hardening clay. Directions are included for coil building a vase. Another idea is given for painting on a coffee can, to experience painting on a curved surface. Directions for surface preparation and completion are included. Another page relates the story of the Bayeux Tapestry, along with a scene from the artwork. The corresponding art activity is to produce a three-foot mural relating another famous battle in history, using oil or chalk pastels. Still another page tells about the navigator and explorer Captain Cook. After a brief but interesting biographical sketch, students are given directions to build their own ship in a bottle. Renaissance topics, along with wonderful art activities, include: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Galileo, Gutenberg, Drer, Mercator, Boticelli, Raphael, Shakespeare, Clothing and Armor in the Renaissance, St. Peter's Basilica, Peter Paul Rubens, Painting in the Renaissance, Triptych, and Illuminated Manuscripts. Each gives you well-researched and interesting background information, along with a correlated art activity. This book would be easy to incorporate into any history study, particularly the literature-based programs from Greenleaf Press, Beautiful Feet, or Hillside Academy.