Introduction:

Students explore geometric properties and relationships in a two-dimensional work of art. They first search for and identify polygons in a Cubist painting and then use polygons to create their own Cubist portrait of a classmate.

Lesson Objectives:

• Identify different kinds of polygons
• Create a Cubist portrait using polygons

Key Terms:

• Cubism
• polygon

Instructional Materials: Paper Pencil Colored pencils Ruler

Procedures:

Discussion:

• Introduce students to polygons and the following related terms:

vertex/vertices ? congruent triangle equilateral triangle isosceles triangle right triangle scalene triangle parallelogram

rectangle trapezoid isosceles trapezoid pentagon hexagon heptagon octagon

• Examine Picasso’s Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler with students. Have students make a list of the recognizable objects and human features they can find. Ask them to think about what the details tell us about the man sitting for the portrait.
  
  
• Ask students to list all of the polygons in this painting. Discuss how Picasso illustrated different body parts with shapes. Ask:
  • How are these shapes used to create a sense of three-dimensional form and space?

Activity:

• Have students create a Cubist portrait of a classmate that incorporates each polygon seen in Picasso’s portrait. Encourage students to divide their classmate’s features any way they want. (For example, a cheek or chin can be several shapes.) Students might also want to walk around the "sitter" and see how his or her face appears from different points of view.

• Encourage students to add a few of the most significant and recognizable physical features of their classmate (curly hair, freckles, a piece of jewelry, etc.).

• Hang the finished portraits in the classroom and see if students can guess the model for each one.

Evalution:

Base students’ evaluation on their ability to classify and compare polygons and use these shapes to create abstract portraits of individuals.

Illinois Learning Standards
Math: 9
Fine Arts: 26