John Steuart Curry - John Brown
Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts K-4: A.1.1, A.3.1, A.3.2, A.3.7; 5-8: A.1.10, A.1.11,A.1.20, A.3.10, A.3.12; 9-12: A.1.21, A.1.24, A.1.29, A.3.19, A.3.21
Lesson Objective: students will learn to interpret symbolic elements in a work of art.
John Steuart Curry's drawing is a depiction of a controversial figure from American history. John Brown led a group of 18 men into Harper's Ferry in October, 1859, and captured a federal arsenal. His intention was to free the slaves in the area and use them as an army to free the slaves across the south. John Brown was captured within two days by a group of US Army soldiers led by Colonel Robert E. Lee. His trial and execution became a lightning rod for sentiments in America that were heating up as the country plunged into Civil War.
Tell students the story of John Brown. Have them look closely at the drawing and answer, in writing, the questions - why did the artist depict John Brown this way and in this setting? How does it reflect the circumstances of his life and death? Why did the artist use a tornado in the drawing?
Cross-curricular Study
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies K-4: TCC.1.1, TCC.1.2, TCC.1.7, TCC.2.1,TCC.2.3; 5-8: TCC.1.4, TCC.2.1, PPE.1.4, PPE.1.5, PAG.1.4, PAG.1.5, PAG.1.9; 9-12:TCC.1.1, TCC.1.2, TCC.1.3, TCC.2.3, PAG.1.6
Lesson Objective: students will be introduced to the historical events leading up to the Civil War.
Assign students to research John Brown and the Abolitionist Movement of the mid-1800s. Who were the major figures and what actions did they take to draw attention to the problem of slavery? Explore the writings of Abolitionists, the history of the Underground Railroad and the actions of the American government 1830-1861.
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