- Description
What can a work of art reveal about a period of American history?
This set of fifteen teaching posters features selected artworks from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Archives of American Art on five historical themes.
- Grade
- 5-12
More Learning Resources
Tour Request
While many artists have addressed recurring themes throughout time, any artwork reflects the historical period of its creation. By analyzing craft works as primary or secondary sources in relation to their time period, students on this tour may better understand a particular moment in history while also developing the habits of mind of a historian. Learn how to request this tour for your students.
Tour Request
How do artists depict the relationship between where people live and who they are? By looking at landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes, students will explore the influence of regional differences on art and culture. Learn how to request this tour for your students.
Tour Request
There are different ideas about what America is. How have artists represented America in their art? Examining an array of artworks that offer varied pictures of America helps students realize that “America” can encompass a wide range of ideas and images. Learn how to request this tour for your students.
Videoconference
Artists use familiar icons such as the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle, and the American flag to communicate their ideas about American culture and encourage examination of our society.