Lesson plan based on Fallen Warrior

Determine how works of art decorated Roman homes and design other artworks to accompany them.

Skills and Focus: Studio, Art History

Subject Area: Fine Arts

Thematic Connection: Connecting Past and Present

Grade Level: Secondary School

Time Needed: 30 minutes, plus time to complete studio projects

Objectives

• Compare and contrast the Fallen Warrior fragment and the Mosaic Floor to determine how each functioned in a private Roman residence.

• Design and create an object that complements the form, function, and setting of the Fallen Warrior Fragment or the Mosaic Floor.

Instructional Materials Needed

Stories: Why Was This Sculpture Made?, What Animal Is This?, and How Were Mosaics Made?

Activity

Step 1: Both the Fallen Warrior fragment and the Mosaic Floor were probably commissioned to decorate private Roman residences. As a class, compare these two objects by discussing the following:

• What medium is used in each?

• What techniques are used in each?

• What is the subject of each?

• What are some qualities unique to each?

• What can each subject tell us about its artist and owners?

• In which room do you think each object was placed? Why?

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• predict what other objects might be in a Roman house.

• describe the ideas or stories such objects might communicate.

Step 2: Have each student create another object to place in the same ancient Roman room that complements either the Fallen Warrior or Mosaic floor.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 26: Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.

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