by Jennifer Towle, Santa Fe Trail High School
Students will learn to "read" visual symbols found in artwork through the stages of art critisism: describe, analyze, interpret and evaluate.
Introduction
As you walk past the parlor, you hear fragments of the lawyers conversation,
"priceless.......
masterpieces........
worth millions..."
You enter her dark room. Great Aunt Mona Moneyman lies gracefully on her death bed, one hand resting on her beloved art history book, the other reaching out to you.
Holding her pale and emancipated hand, you listen carefully to her failing voice.
"Whoever. . . appreciates them . . . the most will ...
...inherit them. Prove to me. . . . that you. . .
. . .understand and you will . . . inherit."
Exhausted from the brief conversation, she turns her head and closes her eyes for a rest.
As one of Great Aunt Mona's many nieces and nephews, you have an important task ahead. In order to inherit and protect the priceless paintings she owned with her late husband, a renowned professor of art history, you must show her your understanding and appreciation for her art by analyzing their meaning and value.
Out of eagerness and respect, you waste no time....