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Lesson Plans for Juan de Pareja by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: Exploring the Extraordinary Life of the Enslaved Painter

Efrain Powell

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Step into the remarkable world of Juan de Pareja, an enslaved African man who defied societal norms to become a celebrated painter in the Spanish Golden Age. Through a captivating series of lesson plans centered around Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's iconic painting, Juan de Pareja, students will delve into the complexities of race, slavery, and artistic brilliance that shaped this extraordinary life.

Lesson Plans I, Juan de Pareja

by Gavin Fairbairn

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	391 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages
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Grade Level: 9-12

Subject: Art History, History, Social Studies

Objectives

Analyze the painting Juan de Pareja by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, exploring its historical context, symbolism, and artistic techniques.
Examine the life of Juan de Pareja, understanding his journey from slavery to becoming a respected artist in 17th-century Spain.
Discuss the broader themes of race, slavery, and the role of art in shaping social perceptions.
Develop critical thinking skills through guided discussions, research projects, and creative assignments.

Lesson Plan 1: The Painting and Its Context

Materials:

Image of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's Juan de Pareja
Art history texts or online resources

Activities:

Visual Analysis: Guide students in observing the painting closely, identifying its elements, composition, and symbolism. Discuss the significance of the colors, gestures, and expressions depicted.
Historical Context: Provide background information on the Spanish Golden Age, the Baroque art movement, and the prevalence of slavery in 17th-century Spain.
Class Discussion: Engage students in a discussion about the painting's message and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Lesson Plan 2: Juan de Pareja's Life and Legacy

Materials:

Biography of Juan de Pareja
Primary source documents (e.g., letters, contracts)

Activities:

Timeline Creation: Have students create a timeline of Juan de Pareja's life, marking significant events and accomplishments.
Document Analysis: Guide students in analyzing primary source documents to understand the complexities of Pareja's life and his relationship with Murillo.
Character Study: Facilitate a discussion on Pareja's personality, strengths, and aspirations, drawing insights from the biography and historical accounts.

Lesson Plan 3: Race, Slavery, and Artistic Genius

Materials:

Articles or documentaries on race and slavery in the Spanish Golden Age
Images of other works by African artists during this period

Activities:

Historical Exploration: Engage students in a discussion about the social and racial dynamics of the time, examining the experiences of enslaved Africans in Spanish society.
Comparative Analysis: Show students examples of other works by African artists from the same period, exploring similarities and differences in style, subject matter, and artistic expression.
Critical Thinking Exercise: Pose thought-provoking questions that encourage students to reflect on the relationship between race, slavery, and artistic achievement.

Assessment

Assessment of student learning will be based on the following:

Class Participation: Active engagement in discussions and group activities.
Written Responses: Short essays or response papers exploring the themes and concepts covered in the lesson plans.
Creative Projects: Projects that demonstrate students' understanding of the material, such as creating a piece of artwork inspired by Juan de Pareja or writing a poem about his life.
Presentation: A presentation delivered to the class, summarizing key findings and insights gained from their research and analysis.

These lesson plans provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Juan de Pareja's life and the complexities of race, slavery, and artistic genius in the Spanish Golden Age. Through the analysis of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's iconic painting, students will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by marginalized individuals, the enduring power of art, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all members of society.

Lesson Plans I, Juan de Pareja

by Gavin Fairbairn

4.5 out of 5