Analyze paintings from the period 1700–1860, and then create a multimedia presentation. Summary
In this assignment, you will analyze paintings from the period 1700–1860 to determine each one’s historical context, artist’s purpose, and intended audience. Then, you will determine how each painting contributed to the development of American identity.

Assignment instructions:
Part I: Conducting research
Step 1: Gather materials and necessary information.

a) Ask your teacher
whether you will be using presentation, drawing, word-processing, or artistic software to develop the multimedia presentation.

b) Keep your lesson and assignment open in case you need to review what you have learned.

c) Take good notes as you review and analyze the paintings.

Step 2: Read and follow each set of instructions carefully before you begin.

a) Choose eight paintings by American artists from the period 1700–1860. Suggested works include:
• John J. Audubon – Birds of America series
• Thomas Cole – Distant View of Niagara Falls; Home in the Woods
• Jonathan Singleton Copley – Paul Revere
• Robert Scott Duncanson – Uncle Tom and Little Eva
• Edward Hicks – The Peaceable Kingdom
• Emanuel Leutze – Washington Crossing the Delaware
• Charles Willson Peale – Joseph Brant; Exhuming the First American Mastodon
• Peter F. Rothermel – Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses
• Gilbert Stuart – George Washington
• Edward Savage – Congress Voting Independence
• John Trumbull – The Declaration of Independence; Surrender of Lord Cornwallis
• John Vanderlyn – Landing of Columbus
• Benjamin West – The Death of General Wolfe; Penn’s Treaty with the Indians; Benjamin
Franklin Drawing Lightning from the Sky
You are free to consider other artists and paintings, but remember, only American artists may be included.

Student Guide (continued)

b) Analyze the paintings for the following:
i) Historical context
ii) The artist’s purpose and intended audience
iii) How the painting demonstrates the growth of an American identity

Part II: Creating a multimedia presentation
Using your analysis of the paintings, create a multimedia presentation that highlights how each painting contributed to the development of American identity.

Step 1: Consider the required elements of the presentation.

a) Introduce the eight paintings, including their titles, the names of the artists, and the dates they
were painted.

b) Include a brief description of each painting, and discuss its historical context.

c) For each painting, discuss the artist’s intended purpose.

d) For each painting, discuss how the art contributed to the development of American identity.

e) Introduce the paintings chronologically, according to when each was created.

f) Construct your presentation on a computer or on a tablet. Ask your teacher for guidance as to which form your presentation should take.

g) List the resources that you used, including websites, textbooks, and other materials.

h) Review your work, correct mistakes, and make improvements before you submit your final draft.

Step 2: Think about these steps for creating a successful multimedia presentation.

a) Plan: Decide on the content of your presentation.

b) Draft: Create a rough draft of your presentation.

c) Revise: Review your work, correct mistakes, and make improvements.