Two Paintings of Mary

Earlier this week, you studied two paintings of Mary and Jesus:

• Cimabue's Maesta of Santa Trinita (an example of a medieval painting)
• Raphael's Alba Madonna (an example of a Renaissance painting)

We will use these two paintings as our introduction to the Renaissance.  We will discuss similarities and differences between the two paintings, and we will start to learn about the way that art can help us understand people's ideas about religion.

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Here are a few of your excellent observations from Monday's assignment:

Maesta of Santa Trinita, by Cimabue

Daniel and Sebastian L.: Jesus and Mary are sitting on a beautifully carved golden throne. In the Bible story, weren't Mary and Joseph poor? And isn't Mary supposed to be humble?

Sebastian L., Jacob, and Daniel: Mary looks so sad, and everyone looks solemn and serious (even sour and grumpy). Why?

Alex A.: Jesus has a man face but a baby body!

Henry, Pete and Grace W.: The main colors of the painting are gold, brown, and coppery red. Maybe the gold represents that God is divine, or maybe the gold is showing that Mary is a queen?

Ginny: The artist used a lot of gold, and I think he did that because gold is kind of the color of power and importance.

Sam: The majority of the colors are tan and brown, which makes it look like the painting was baked!

Kate R., Landon and Charlie: Mary and Jesus are disproportionate to the angels and the men at the bottom. (1) It's almost like the artist is showing Mary as the mother of all the other people in the painting. (2) Since Baby Jesus is almost as big as the men at the bottom, this probably shows the power he has.

Hadley: Jesus has special line designs on his halo, while the other people have circular designs.

Ellie, Grace E., Emily and Jayden: All of the angels have the same face. They are all alike, without any individual character or personality.

Ella and Dante: I think the people at the bottom are the prophets or priests who predicted Jesus's birth. I think that because they are holding scrolls, and they used to write the Bible in scrolls. I don't know the language that's used on the scrolls.

The Alba Madonna, by Raphael

Cort, Durland and Grace E.: Mary is holding a book. Is it the Bible? Did the real Mary know how to read?

Carson: Mary and Jesus are gazing at the other baby, instead of looking at you.

Hunter: The whole family is looking at the cross, so they probably know that the cross means something.

Katie, Dante and Pete: Jesus is holding a skinny gold cross, but he is just a baby and I thought that’s how he died. So why is he holding it? Does Jesus already know that he's going to be crucified?

Carter K., Noah, Palmer and Keegan: There are so many realistic details in this painting. The clothing looks so realistic (the wrinkles are amazing!).

Ashton: In the first picture, Mary has more angels surrounding her giving her more of a regal look. And in the second picture, Mary at a first glance seems normal because you can’t see the halos.

Olivia T.: Jesus doesn't have any clothes on.

Caroline R.: It is hard to see but there is a tiny halo around baby Jesus’s head -- maybe because he is young and new to Christianity? (Ari noticed that the baby on the left also has a very faint halo!)

Aubreigh, Kate C. and Davis W.: Mary is sitting on a tree stump. Porter: Her "throne" is made of rocks or wood. Ashton: Right: she seems to be sitting on a throne of wood.

Oscar, Carter K., Palmer and Chaney: Mary and the children are sitting outdoors in this painting, with a farm, mountains, and beautiful fields in the background. It's a much more natural painting.

Carter M., Stuart, Chapin, Keira, Hadley and Davis O.: This painting is very colorful; plus, the colors in this painting are bright, vibrant, and vivid. Mary's blue robe and pink shirt really stand out; her blue robe matches the blues of the sky and the flowers next to her feet. Her shoes remind me of the sandals known as Chacos!

Juliet: The colors in this painting make it seem more sweet and delicate, while in the other painting it looks a little more harsh and powerful.

Kate R.: The colors that the artist used most frequently in this painting are blue and brown. These colors allow Mary to seem like she is more human and not crazy high up.

Phoebe: The artist used the color blue frequently, maybe because blue symbolizes peace, being calm, and trust.

Ellie, Charlie, Sam and Aubreigh: This painting is an unusual shape. Why did Raphael choose to make this a circular painting? Molly: This painting looks like it's in a telescope, because there is a circle and it's zoomed in!

Miller: In the background there are horses (they are very small but I zoomed in and they are clearer).

Sebastian C.: On Mary's left (over her shoulder), there are two people standing in the trees!

Great work by Emily, Axel, Charlie, Sebastian L., Miller, Kate R., Davis O., Keira and Porter, who identified the boy on the left as John the Baptist!

Lesson for April 27 and 28: Introduction to Religious Art

A big thanks to Alex A. for sharing his beautiful photos. I love the speckled turtle, and Alex's close-ups of the pink and white flowers are captivating!

For April 27 and 28, please do the following:

1. Enjoy today's delightful Musical Monday selection, here. Two of your classmates recommended Idina Menzel's hit song from Frozen 2. Send Mr. Richmond an email if think you know which classmates are inspired by Elsa's charisma and bravery!

2. Watch my introductory video, below.

3. Study the two paintings of Mary (while learning how to use the Google Arts and Culture website!); then impress me with your awesome observations by answering the questions on the Google document titled "Comparing Two Paintings of Mary." The document is shared in your Drive.

Lesson for April 23 and 24: More Majestic Architecture

For April 23 and 24, please do the following...

1. Watch my introductory video, posted below.

2. Study the photographs of Suleymaniye Mosque, the Bagan Temple Complex, and the Grand Choral Synagogue. Look for the architectural elements that I introduced in connection with Gothic architecture: the size of the buildings, the shape of the buildings, the building materials, the use of windows and natural light, the use (or not) of color, and the amount of detail and ornamentation.

3. Read about the Bagan Temple Complex and the Grand Choral Synagogue (here).

4. Watch a short video about the Suleymaniye Mosque (here).

5. Answer the questions posted here.

Suleymaniye Mosque

(Istanbul, Turkey)

Bagan Temple Complex

(Myanmar)

The Grand Choral Synagogue

(St. Petersburg, Russia)

Dragonborn: World Premiere

I am honored to share with you the first edition of Kate, Henry, Carter and Carter's new book, Dragonborn Book 1: The Time Halt. 

These four students have been working on the book during our time apart. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dragonborn; I hope that you will, too.

Prologue

He’s always late, he thought.

Lieutenant Snowstorm paced across his office waiting for Tempest. He had one of the smaller offices in the palace, which wasn’t saying much since their palace was at least two times smaller than the Timeborn’s. Stormborns didn’t need much room. Lieutenant Snowstorm was a rare Stormborn, who had almost no blue and yellow. His grey was almost white, which was why he was named Snowstorm. Tempest was the opposite. He had lots of blue and yellow with small patches of dark grey. The general dipped his claws into some black ink and wrote a quick note to his assistant when Tempest slipped into the room.

Tempest! You are late again! Snowstorm snapped, angrily.

Sorry, sir, Tempest said, leaning against the wall. His head was right at the ceiling; he was a very tall dragon. The cold room surrounding him almost suffocated him. It was dimly lit and not very welcoming. It could probably only fit three dragons. I suppose I have a new mission?

Don’t use that voice with me. I can fire you like that.

Except you won’t since I am the best spy you have.

Just read this, he pushed a file to him across his desk.

Project Time, he read and raised an eyebrow. Not the usual assassination job?

Not this time. You will have three dragons with you. I am providing you with a dyris-enchanted shapeshifting suit to wear. Find their time warper and bring it to us. Remember to write weekly letters to Queen Rain.

Sir, yes, sir!

Read the entire book, here.

Trying to keep the dragons straight?! Check out this helpful guide.

Musical Monday: A Tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant

I hope that you enjoy today's Musical Monday recommendation: 

8&24, by NCK (Nick Ireland) (the video is here). 

Send me an email if you think you know which classmate suggested this lyrical tribute to a basketball great -- and a loving father and daughter ...

Engineering Marvels of Our Time: The Burj Khalifa, the Chunnel, and the International Space Station

Humans continue to be impressed by the Gothic cathedrals, even though they were constructed 1,000 years ago.

1,000 years from now (in the year 3020 AD!), which modern architectural or engineering accomplishment will be most admired?

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During next week's live class, we will have a discussion/debate in which your class will try to determine which structure is most likely to be admired in 1,000 years. 

To prepare for the activity, please do the following:

1. Watch my introductory video posted below

2. Read the article that is posted here

3. Watch the film about the Chunnel, posted here

4. Learn about the way that the International Space Station is powered by solar energy, here 

5. Answer the questions that are posted here

6. BONUS! Can you determine which of your classmates visited Amiens Cathedral at the age of 5?! His photo from the adventure is located below (notice that he's standing in front of the famous red doors!).

And this last part is OPTIONAL: Watch the film about the Burj Khalifa, posted here

Amiens Cathedral: Your Responses

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers to the Amiens Cathedral Scavenger Hunt. During today's class I'd like to discuss some of the responses...

There are lots of statues surrounding the front doors of the cathedral. At the front left door, two of the sculpted men are holding their own heads. Please try to locate these two men, and take a screenshot photo of them.

Photo by Noah

Photo by Chaney

Why do you think these men would be holding their own heads?

Landon, Charlie, Porter, Ella, Carter M., Daniel and Cort: Maybe it was like a sacrifice or offering for God, or to show that they were willing to sacrifice for God (they were martyrs)

Carter K.: To show that they are in control of their minds

Chaney: Maybe because it is some sort of lesson or punishment. Maybe the two men can't control what they say or something like that.

Noah: They are showing the sacrifice it took to build the cathedral.

Sebastian L.: Maybe they died trying to preach.

Stuart and Grace W.: It’s a sign of their devotion to God. It is a blessing for their god, like they are giving their life to him.

Keira and Emily: In honor of John the Baptist, or because this cathedral has a relic from John the Baptist

Kate R.: It might mean that they can tell something without using their eyes. Like they can believe in God without seeing him.

Can and Axel: Maybe they commited a sin and they were unforgiving to themselves and chopped their heads off. Or they were decapitated by others.

Sebastian C.: I did a little bit of research. One of the headless men is most likely Saint-Denis. He was a bishop who was decapitated. Then he stood up, picked up his head and walked and preached for several miles. I think that the second statue is probably someone with a similar story to Saint-Denis.

Why do you think the front doors are all painted red?

Molly: Maybe because they believe it is God’s blood and that makes them feel closer to God. 

Casner, Caroline R., Carter M., Daniel, Jayden, Cort, Charlie, Grace E., Phoebe and Landon: The red symbolizes Jesus’s blood, or Jesus’s sacrifice.

Ellie: The blood of a God or higher being?

Davis O.: I think the doors are red, like blood, as a way of remembering people who have died.

Henry, Ella and Hadley: Maybe this color symbolizes Passover? It might be a symbol for the sheep's blood they spread across their doors in Egypt.

Jack: In Chinese tradition red represents good fortune, but I don't know what it would mean in this situation.

Olivia: Safety from the devil.

Emily: Maybe the architect wanted the doors to pop.

Try to locate the gargoyle that is overhanging the front right doors. What kind of animal is it?

Timmy, Olivia, Durland, Carter M., Juliet, Jacob, Keira, Phoebe, Alex B., and Molly: A dragon (or a dog-dragon!)

Hunter: A lizard

Caroline: A bat

Ari: A boar

Jayden, Charlie, Charlotte and Alex A.: A bird

Landon, Sebastian C., Keegan, Ellie, Can, and Carson: A dog or wolf (possibly a winged-dog)

Axel: A leopard

Sam: A werewolf (!)

Porter: A gryffon (!)

Miller: A demon (!!)

Davis W.: A winged-human (!!!)

Musical Monday; New Pet Photos; and More

Hello Sixth Graders! 

Today I've got several items.

First, I want to share a very special performance by Andrea Bocelli.

He is a renowned Italian singer, and this weekend he performed at the Milan Cathedral in a tribute to the millions of people who have been impacted by the coronavirus.

This is one of the cathedrals that I discussed as an exemplar of the Gothic architectural style.

I hope that you are inspired by the beautiful building, by Mr. Bocelli's voice, and by his message of hope for all of us.

Second: last week we discussed additional characteristics of the Gothic style, and I shared some of your excellent responses to the PBS film "Cathedral." You can access the slideshow here.

Third: Keira's pets and Casner's new puppy never had the chance to join Pet Corner. 

I hope their photos will brighten your day!

And fourth: thanks to Ella for sharing this beautiful photograph...

Lesson for April 10 and 14

For April 10 and 14, please do the following...

1. Watch the video posted below, which explains how to do the Amiens Cathedral Virtual Scavenger Hunt.

2. Begin exploring Amiens Cathedral by clicking here. Complete the scavenger hunt questions, here.

3. We talked about the way in which cathedrals are used to hold special religious ceremonies, like weddings and funerals. Westminster Abbey, in London, is not technically a cathedral (it's an abbey, which is slightly different), but it was built in the Gothic architectural style and serves many of the purposes of a cathedral. Please watch this short video showing highlights of the wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate, which gives you a sense of a ceremonial wedding.

Musical Monday is Rising Up; More Student Photos

I'll rise up

I'll rise like the day

I'll rise up

I'll rise unafraid

I'll rise up

And I'll do it a thousand times again

A big thank you to Aubreigh and Ashton for their wonderful musical recommendation (and congrats to Olivia, Henry, Juliet, Katie, Hadley, Charlie and Palmer, each of whom guessed correctly!). 

Andra Day's voice is powerful, and her words are uplifting.

Andra Day was born in San Diego, California. She began singing with her church choir while she was still young, and she started taking dance lessons when she was 5 years old. Her musical role models are Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald (if you'd like to listen to the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, check out the video I've posted here). 

Andra Day summarizes her life's philosophy as follows: "You are not here just to exist, you're here to impact people in their lives."

And how about some more beautiful photos, courtesy of your classmates...

Lesson for April 6 and 7

I hope that you enjoy Miller's beautiful photograph, which she took during a walk last week.

For April 6 and 7, please do the following...

1. Watch the three videos posted below. The first two videos discuss the purposes and uses of medieval cathedrals. The third video explains how to do the Virtual Scavenger Hunt.

2. Enjoy today's Musical Monday recommendation, which is posted here.

3. Complete the Virtual Scavenger Hunt by answering the questions located here. You can begin exploring Exeter Cathedral, in order to complete the scavenger hunt questions, by clicking here.

Lesson for April 2 and 3: Welcome to Beaulieu

A big thank you to Emily for sharing her beautiful painting, which she made last weekend. I love the subtle mix of colors. 

Emily's flower makes me feel peaceful and content.

(I'd love to post artwork from other students, if you are willing to share. Also: please keep emailing your photographs of nature!)

For April 2 and 3, please do the following...

1. Read this entire blog post. It will be helpful for you to read the questions in advance, so you know some of the things to look for while watching the video.

2. Watch my introductory video posted below; then watch the PBS video "Cathedral", which is posted here.

3. Answer the questions posted here.

The Major Characters of Cathedral

Pierre (the scribe who records his observations about the building of the new cathedral)

Bishop Philippe (the first bishop)

Master Guillaume (the master builder)

Merchant Thibaut (the wealthy merchant)

Bishop Gervais (the second bishop)

Friar Roland (the third bishop)

The Questions That You'll be Answering on Google Forms

1. Why do the people of Beaulieu want Master Guillaume to build such a tall, "splendid" cathedral? 

2. How is the stone delivered from the quarry to the city of Beaulieu?

3. The cathedral at St. Denis was the first Gothic building, and it was designed by Abbot Suger. Why did Abbot Suger believe that it was so important to have lots of light inside of a church/cathedral?

4. According to the video, how do flying buttresses work?

5. Who did Christians believe was the "ultimate master builder"?

6. Why does Bishop Gervais want to use the stone from a certain quarry (that Master Guillaume would prefer NOT to use)?

7. How did Bishop Gervais contribute to the tragedy of Master Guillaume's death?

8. What miraculous event happens to Merchant Thibaut, and how does this event affect the construction of the cathedral?