Educator Resources

Analyze an Artwork

Download the illustrated PDF version. (PDF)

Meet the artwork.

Quickly scan the artwork. What do you notice first?

Type (check all that apply):

Painting	Drawing/Sketch	Engraving/Lithograph		Mural	Sculpture
Mixed Media	Scene/Event	Portrait	Landscape	Abstract	Other

What is the title?

Observe its parts.

List the people, objects and activities you see.
- PEOPLE:
- OBJECTS:
- ACTIVITIES:
Write one sentence summarizing this artwork.

Try to make sense of it.

What do the colors, people, objects or activities represent?
Who made this?
When was it created?
Does it depict a different time? When?
What was happening at the time in history it was created?
What is the message? List evidence from the artwork or your knowledge about the artist that led you to your conclusion.

Use it as historical evidence.

What did you find out from this artwork that you might not learn anywhere else?
What other documents or historical evidence are you going to use to help you understand this event or topic?

Materials created by the National Archives and Records Administration are in the public domain.

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