Art, American History, and the Apotheosis of Washington: How Cool!!!

I love it when I can integrate two subjects. In this case American History and Art.

American History is LOADED with iconic paintings.  Such as Emanuel Leutze's painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware, commanding American troops in the Christmas surprise attack upon the Hessians.  The painting shows our first president standing tall as the boat makes it way across the icy river.   Many people know this painting is full of historical inaccuracies, but it is from this point we begin to build our students understanding of this historical event.  If General Washington is commanding an army, why are all the people in boat wearing different clothes?  Different hats?  Is Washington the only future president in this painting?  No.  Look closely at the man holding the flag; he would become President Monroe.  What role did Monroe play in the War?  Are there any African-Americans in the painting? What role did African-Americans play in the War?  These questions provide students the scaffold needed to analysis the historical aspects of this beautiful painting.  Finally, one of the last questions I ask my students is how big or small is this painting?  They are shocked to learn is over 12 feet high and over 21 feet long!  Nearly life size! 

So this being the case, I am happy to share with you another AWESOME resource that combines art and American History:  The Capital Architect and the Paintings webpage.  Students can view these beautifully created painting while learning about the historical details the images represent.  One such example includes the mural known as the  Apotheosis of Washington. This beautiful painting spreads over the interior of the U.S. capital rotunda of the U.S. Capital.  Yes, the painting clearly is centered upon Washington, but there are other important historical players in this painting.  Check out the six historical images near the edge of the mural in the Apotheosis of Washington.  This websites shares with the students the background information for these figures.  The URL is http://www.aoc.gov/capitol-hill/other-paintings-and-murals/apotheosis-washington.
When I share this painting with my students I have replace the 19th century figures with modern day people.  I also ask them if would they change the categories to include other groups.  Might they add a category for athletes or movie stars?


As always, I hope you can use these resources in your class-hoping to make your job easier and better!

JM