Genres of Paintings Painting Genres    

Lesson 24: History - Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States

by Howard Chandler Christy

Directions

Study the artwork for one week.

Over the week:

• Examine the artwork.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Recite the artist and artwork names.
• Read about the artwork's genre.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Discuss the review questions.

Synopsis

After the American colonists won independence from the British, in 1787 they signed the Constitution of the United States of America. Howard Chandler Christy's painting, 'Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States,' features 40 of the 53 delegates at the official signing, which took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Washington is prominently featured standing on the raised platform as delegates from North Carolina sign the document. Right below Washington is Benjamin Franklin, who sits over a pile of books.

Vocabulary

United States Constitution: The supreme law of the United States of America.
Colony: A country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country.
Colonist: A settler in or inhabitant of a colony.
Independence: The fact or state of being independent or free from external rule.
British: Relating to Great Britain or the United Kingdom, or to its people or language.

Concepts

1. History paintings are historically the most respected genre of painting.
2. Contrary to what you might think from the name, history paintings do not always depict true life events from history.
3. The Latin word 'historia' means 'story,' and is where 'history paintings' get their name.
4. History paintings tell stories, whether true events from history or fictitious stories from the imagination.
5. History paintings may also be called 'historical paintings.'
6. Select types of history paintings include, 1) Religious, 2) Literary (books other than mythological), 3) Allegorical (contains symbolism or hidden meanings), and 4) Historical (real historical events).
7. See below examples of four common types of history paintings: 1) Gerard van Honthorst's 'Adoration of the Shepherds' (Religious - Baby Jesus), 2) Sir John Everett Millais' 'Ophelia' (Literary - Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'), 3) C. Allan Gilbert's 'All is Vanity' (Allegorical - Lady Looking in Mirror vs Skull), and 4) 'Declaration of Independence' by John Trumbull (Historical).

Enrichment

Activity 1: Can You Find It?

Zoom in to find the following in the artwork:

• Constitution
• George Washington
• Benjamin Franklin
• Cane
• Colonial Flags
• Drum
• Chandelier
• Independence Hall
• Books

Activity 2: Narrate the Artwork

• After studying the artwork, narrate the scene shown aloud using your own words.

Activity 3: Recite the Preamble to the United States Constitution

• We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Activity 4: Map the Artwork

Zoom in on the map of the eastern United States to find the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia.

Activity 5: Color the Artwork   

• Click the crayon above and complete page 49 of 'Third Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Activity 6: Create A History Drawing   

• Click the crayon above and complete page 50 of 'Third Grade Art History Coloring Book.'
• Using crayons, color pencils, pastels, or paint, create a history drawing or painting.
• Beforehand, discuss whether you plan to include a religious, literary, allegorical, or historical history drawing or painting.

Review

Question 1

Who are the characters in the artwork?

1 / 7

Answer 1

The characters in the artwork are the Sons of Liberty and their fellow cheering colonists.

1 / 7

Question 2

What is the setting of the artwork?

2 / 7

Answer 2

The setting is Boston Harbor in the state of Massachusetts.

2 / 7

Question 3

What disguises are the Sons of Liberty wearing?

3 / 7

Answer 3

The Sons of Liberty are dressed as American Indians.

3 / 7

Question 4

What are the Sons of Liberty throwing into the Harbor?

4 / 7

Answer 4

The Sons of Liberty are throwing tea into the harbor.

4 / 7

Question 5

Why are the Sons of Liberty throwing tea into the harbor?

5 / 7

Answer 5

The Sons of Liberty are throwing tea into the harbor to protest a British tax on the tea.

5 / 7

Question 6

Into which genre is this painting classified?

6 / 7

Answer 6

This painting falls into the history genre.

6 / 7

Question 7

Is the portrait best described as a religious, literary, allegorical, or historical history painting?

7 / 7

Answer 7

This painting is best described as a historical painting within the history painting genre.

7 / 7

❮ ❯

1. Who are the characters in the artwork? The characters in the artwork are the Sons of Liberty and their fellow cheering colonists.
2. What is the setting of the artwork? The setting is Boston Harbor in the state of Massachusetts.
3. What disguises are the Sons of Liberty wearing? The Sons of Liberty are dressed as American Indians.
4. What are the Sons of Liberty throwing into the Harbor? The Sons of Liberty are throwing tea into the harbor.
5. Why are the Sons of Liberty throwing tea into the harbor? The Sons of Liberty are throwing tea into the harbor to protest a British tax on the tea.
6. Into which genre is this painting classified? This painting falls into the history genre.
7. Is the portrait best described as a religious, literary, allegorical, or historical history painting? This painting is best described as a historical painting within the history painting genre.

References

'Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'United States Constitution.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'History painting.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.