Paris 1900
Activity 1
Educator activity: Eiffel Tower
Objective: Students will look at Georges Roux’s painting of the Eiffel Tower and create a drawing or painting that reflects the patterns, color, and tone they observe from the painting.
Introduction: The Eiffel Tower was constructed in preparation for the 1889 World Fair and it has become a globally recognizable icon for France since then.
Activity: Students will identify a color, shape, or pattern that will be the basis for their own work of art. They can draw or paint their own version of the Eiffel Tower or another building inspired by Roux’s painting. Their artwork should reflect the idea or feeling associated with the painting’s aesthetic and tone.
Activity 2
Educator guide: French Language and Culture
Objective: Students will learn a few French vocabulary words and create a drawing or painting with their chosen French word.
Introduction: French is the official language in 29 countries and there are approximately 274 million French speakers with 76 million being native speakers of French. The language is important to understanding French culture and artwork during the Belle Epoque era of French society.
Activity: Students will learn French vocabulary terms such as colors, greetings, or animals. They will incorporate a vocabulary word into a drawing or painting that is inspired by the aesthetic of French culture and Parisian fashion.
Themes
Showcase of the World
Paris is known globally for its influence on culture and arts. During the late 19th and early 20th century, Paris was flourishing economically and artistically. French clothing, artistic movements, food, music, theater, and cinema have made a cultural influence on the world, especially the United States.
2. Art nouveau
An artistic movement popular between 1890 and 1910 that included curved lines, Celtic art, and natural forms. It influenced visual art, architecture, jewelry, and furniture in Europe and France alike.
3. Capital of the Arts
4. The Parisienne
5. Leisure
Leisure was a significant aspect to the culture of the Belle Epoque in Paris. Paintings depict Parisians attending ballet, cinema, opera, cafes, and enjoying the culture of spectacle.
6. Paris by Night
Introduction: Many of the paintings in the exhibition depict Parisian nightlife. Nightlife was important to French economics and it served as a cultural hub to showcase fashion and art.
Exhibit Objective
How does Parisian art and culture influence American arts and culture?
What images or objects do you see that look familiar?
Glossary
Francophone
Belle Epoque
Paris Exposition Universelle
Art nouveau