Bank Point #6: One-Point Perspective and the School of Athens

Using the internet, visit the Vatican Museums and other websites to investigate the philosophical and mathematical meanings in Raphael's fresco The School of Athens. Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Which philosophers in the painting have been identified through historical evidence?

2. How did three of the philosophers pictured- Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle- each contribute to the development of perspective?

3. Why is The School of Athens considered to be such a masterpiece of High Renaissance Art?

4. How does Raphael plan the placement of his vanishing point to draw attention to the main point of emphasis in the picture?

BANK POINT #5: Strange Space, Strange World

For this bank point assignment, first study these examples from the natural world that have interesting spaces. What imaginary civilization could develop inside? Create a drawing that illustrates your vision for this new, strange world. What would live inside these spaces, and what would they do? Why would they be there, and how would they live/work/play? Let your creativity RUN WILD! And have fun!

*BANK POINTS #1: Terra Cotta Warriors

Search google and/or Youtube (or another internet search site) for information about the Terra Cotta Warriors, stone carvings from China.

Then answer the following questions on a separate paper and submit:

1. What do Palentologists (scientists who study ancient stuff) think the terra cotta warrior's purpose was?

2. How many warriors have been discovered?

3. Discuss at least two things you found out that were interesting based on your research.

BANK POINTS #2: The Exquisite Corpse

Drawing by G. Knutson, V. Hugo, A. Breton, T. Tzara, 1936

A Drawing Game For Three or more players.

This is the art version of the most famous Surrealist game, much like Heads, Bodies, and Legs in England and Petits Papiers in France.

Each player takes a sheet of paper and folds it into equal sections, as many as there are players. The sheets are smoothed out and each player draws whatever he will in the top section, allowing the lines to cross the crease by a few millimeters. The sheet is then refolded back onto this crease to conceal the drawing and passed to the next player who begins the next section from these lines. And so on, until the last section, when it is unfolded and the result revealed. (The sheet may be passed back for the first player to give it a title before the picture is revealed.)

BANK POINT #4: Inspired by the Taj Mahal

What kind of monument comes to mind when you think about a well-loved person's tomb? For a Mughal emperor in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is such a monument. Its design and construction was ordered by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died unexpectedly in 1630. Built from 1632-38 on the bank of the Yamuna River at Agra, this architectural treasure is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The Taj Mahal is the crowning achievement of Islamic architectural design. For the power of its presence, the Taj Mahal might be compared to the pyramids in Egypt. You can read more about the Taj Mahal in the art room text book "Exploring Visual Design", pg. 143.

1. Refer to the Taj Mahal as an example of symmetrical design and design your own idea for a symmetrical building. Decide on a purpose for your structure, and create floor plans and a drawing of the exterior of the building. Use pencil.

What is symmetrical design?

When a design is symmetrical, it is exactly the same on both sides. If you drew a line through the center of the design, on side would be the mirror image of the other.

BANK POINTS #3: Soda Can Contour Drawings

For this assignment, you will make TWO quality contour drawings in pencil. Each drawing should take you at least 20 minutes to complete.



Before you begin, consider a soda can from various angles. How does light strike its surface? Remember that contour lines can define not only the edges of an object, but also its interior.

You will need: a soda can, drawing paper, pencil (see Mrs. G for white paper if you need it)





1. Create a contour drawing of your soda can. Try to capture not only the overall shape but also the reflections on the can's surface. Include any bold lettering that comes into view. Spend at least 20 minutes on your drawing.





Then, lightly crush the can and notice how this action has changed the can's form. Observe the can closely. What happened to the lettering?



2. Draw the can once again with contour lines, noticing the ways in which your contour lines are different in the second drawing. Spend at least 20 minutes on your drawing.


Vocabulary: Contour lines~describe the shape of an object, and include interior detail.