Thematic Assignment: Mind-Map

Today Ms. J. gave the Art History AP class a new homework assignment. They are to go to (this really amazing website) http://bubbl.us and create a thematic mind-map of four inter-related artworks. First, the students must choose a theme. Thus far, themes have included male form, female form, sacred spaces, political art/propaganda, images of war/violence, patronage, class structure, narrative, portraiture, symbolism/allegory, funerary monuments, etc. After the select, the students must pick four examples to illustrate their chosen theme. One example must come from the Gothic period, one from the 20th century, one from outside the "Western canon," and one may be any piece the student wants.

I selected "Female Form" as the theme for my mind-map and this is what I created:

I think that this bubble chart is sort of magical. But that's just me. And, of course, you can't read it. So I'll summarize here:

1) Gothic example: Virgin of Paris

2) 20th century example:

The Broken Column, Frida Kahlo

3) Non-Western Example:

Bust of Nefertiti, Egypt

4) Free Example: 19th century
Olympia, Edouard Manet

... I can't tell you how difficult it was to format this post. Luckily, it's full of great images, which all offer interesting commentary on femininity and ideals of beauty throughout the history of art!