The Art Institute of Chicago is home to a world-class collection that spans centuries and the globe. Each year, the museum welcomes thousands of K–12 students who engage with our collection in person or online. The human body is universal—everyone has one—and artists throughout history have been curious about many things, including people and how they look. You will find many examples of the human body in art from different times and cultures across the Art Institute’s vast collection.
Encountering and discussing such works, particularly when they include nudity, can at times feel awkward for teachers as well as students. But these conversations are important. When approached with care, they not only foster a deeper understanding of art and culture but can also promote positive body image and respectful peer relationships among students.
This resource includes potential approaches and talking points to support such conversations.
