Interpretive Resource

Classroom or Home Activity: Realism and Idealism—Art and Literature

Discussion questions and activity ideas to be used with the following works of art: Distant View of Niagara Falls; Yosemite; Roof, Summer Night; Tanks #2; Miner Joe; Nighthawks; and Night life. Students will explore concepts of realism (or naturalism) and idealism (or romanticism) in the art and literature of 19th- and 20th-century America.

Tags: 19th century, 20th century, American, landscapes, urban life

Curricula: Fine Arts, Language Arts

Grade Levels: High School, Middle School

Interpretive Resources: John Sloan, Louis Lozowick, Edward Hopper, Thomas Cole, Carleton Watkins, Archibald John Motley, Jr., Elizabeth Olds

Artworks by: John Sloan, Louis Lozowick, Edward Hopper, Thomas Cole, Carleton Watkins, Archibald John Motley, Jr., Elizabeth Olds