Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a deeper understanding of Rococo art and its connection to themes found in Vergil's "Aeneid," especially focusing on the figures of Venus, Cupid, and Aeneas. The student will also explore the concept of ekphrasis through a creative watercolour project, culminating in a personal interpretation of these themes.
Materials and Prep
- Watercolour paints
- Watercolour paper or thick art paper
- Brushes (various sizes)
- Palette for mixing colours
- Water container for rinsing brushes
- Pencil for sketching
- Reference images of Rococo art, specifically focusing on works featuring Venus, Cupid, and Aeneas
- Copy of a selected passage from Vergil's "Aeneid" that features Venus and Aeneas
Before the lesson, review the characteristics of Rococo art and familiarize yourself with the selected passage from the "Aeneid." Prepare the reference images to inspire the watercolour project.
Activities
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Discussion on Rococo Art
Start with a discussion about the Rococo art movement. Explore its characteristics, such as ornate details, lightness, and themes of love and mythology. Ask the student to describe what they see in the reference images and how it makes them feel.
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Reading and Analysis of Vergil
Read the selected passage from the "Aeneid" together. Discuss the themes of love and destiny as they relate to Venus and Aeneas. Encourage the student to think about how these themes are represented in the Rococo art they studied.
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Ekphrastic Writing Exercise
Introduce the concept of ekphrasis, which is a vivid description of a work of art. Have the student write a short paragraph describing a scene featuring Venus and Aeneas, using sensory details and emotional language to bring the scene to life.
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Watercolour Painting Project
Using the ideas generated from the discussion and the ekphrastic writing, the student will create a watercolour painting inspired by the themes of love and mythology. Encourage them to incorporate elements from the Rococo style and the passage from the "Aeneid."
Talking Points
- "The Rococo movement is all about elegance and playfulness. Look at the curves and soft colours in these artworks. How do they make you feel?"
- "Vergil’s 'Aeneid' is a story of love, struggle, and destiny. How do you think Venus feels about Aeneas? What does her love represent?"
- "Ekphrasis allows us to express our interpretations of art through words. What emotions do you want to convey in your writing about Venus and Aeneas?"
- "As you paint, think about how you can use colour and brush strokes to express the feelings and themes we've discussed. What story do you want your artwork to tell?"