II. 17th Century portrait
activity
Portraits, through their use of clothing, facial expression, posture, props, and
background, can tell us much about the sitter and about the times in which they lived.
Portraits can also tell us about the artist. Artists are judged on two
different levels. The first level is their technical expertise and skill - use of shadow
and light, proper perspective and body proportions, "three-dimensionality," and
good representation particularly of hands, hair, and eyes. The second level is creativity
- does a painting have life and movement, is it compelling or inspiring? Does a real
person with thoughts and emotions shine from behind the painted eyes? Has the artist
successfully used his own personal style to create the illusion of a 3-dimensional living
being?
Visit each of the 17th century portraits at Pilgrim Hall Museum and answer the
questions below.
Edward Winslow at www.pilgrimhall.org/winsport.htm
What is Edward Winslow wearing? Why do you think he chose that outfit?
Describe Edward’s facial expression or mood.
Describe Edward’s pose. What does the pose or gesture imply?
How does the artist suggest that Edward was a man of wealth and importance?
How does the artist use light and shadow?
How skillful was the artist? How well did he use perspective? How well did he show
proportions? Three dimensions? How well did he paint the hands and eyes?
Was the artist able to effectively portray a "real" person?
Why do you think Edward had his portrait painted?
What is the significance of the inscription on the letter? |
Josiah Winslow at www.pilgrimhall.org/jwinport.htm
and Penelope Winslow at www.pilgrimhall.org/ppwport.htmww.pilgrimhall.org/ppwport.htm
What are Josiah and Penelope wearing? Why do you think they chose those outfits?
Describe their facial expression or mood.
How skillful was the artist? How well did he use perspective? How well did he show
proportions? How well did he paint the hands and eyes?
Was the artist able to effectively portray "real" people?
Why do you think Josiah and Penelope had their portraits painted?
Compare Josiah to his father Edward at www.pilgrimhall.org/winsport.htm. Who do you think
was the stronger personality?
Josiah and Penelope returned from London to Plymouth in 1655. How do you think Penelope
might have reacted to her new surroundings in Plymouth? |
Elizabeth Paddy Wensley at www.pilgrimhall.org/epwport.htm
What is Elizabeth wearing? Why do you think Elizabeth chose that outfit?
Describe Elizabeth’s facial expression or mood.
Describe Elizabeth’s pose. What does the pose imply?
Describe the background and accessories. What message do they give?
How skillful was the artist? How well did he use perspective? How well did he show
proportions? Three dimensions? How well did he paint the hands and eyes?
Was the artist able to effectively portray a "real" person?
Why do you think Elizabeth had her portrait painted?
What does the artist’s use of symbols, color and textile details tell us about
Elizabeth? About New England in the late 1600s?
Which of the four paintings is your favorite? Why? |
For more information about the Pilgrims and 17th century
Plymouth, link to www.pilgrimhall.org/museum.htm
Proceed to Historical
comparison activity.
Return to Introduction to Painted
Pilgrims.
|
