Lesson plan based on Cycladic Figure
Compare and debate how an ancient Greek sculpture is similar to modern art.
Skills and Focus: Oral Presentation, Discussion, Cultural Comparisons, Art History
Subject Area: Social Science
Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present
Grade Level: Secondary School
Time Needed: 40-90 minutes
Objectives
• Describe the cultural contributions of early Greek civilization and their relationship to the modern world.
Instructional Materials Needed
Story: The Human Form in Cycladic Art
Online Resources:
http://cpcug.org/user/stefan/brancus.html
http://www.optonline.com/comptons/ceo/00061_A.html
Print Resources:
• The Art Institute of Chicago: Twentieth-Century Painting and Sculpture. The Art Institute of Chicago, 1996. pp.23, 48.
Activity
Even though the Cycladic figure is over 5,000 years old, many think it looks very modern. Divide the class into two groups. Have each group develop a brief presentation in which:
• the Cycladic figure is compared to Constantin Brancusi’s 20th century sculpture, Leda.
• students consider why Brancusi may have been inspired by 5,000-year old Cycladic sculpture.
• students consider how Brancusi’s sculpture comments on his approach to the modern and classical worlds.
• students consider what each sculpture says about each artist’s approach to naturalistic subjects.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 16: Understand and analyze events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States, and other nations.
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