The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Activity Two: Paintings of the City by Joseph Stella

1. Direct the class to these three websites : http://www.newarkmuseum.org/americanart/html/tour/galleries/
   labels/stella_panels.htm
   
   http://www.artnet.com/Galleries/Artwork_Detail.asp?G=&gid=105& which=&ViewArtistBy=&aid=16080&wid=424553555&source= artist&rta=http://www.artnet.com;
   
   http://americanart.si.edu/images/1975/1975.39.6_1b.jpg.
   
   
2. Analysis of the Stella paintings—this website will provide some guidance in this activity:
   http://www.sullivangoss.com/Joseph_Stella/#An%20Analysis %20of% 20the%20 Artist's%20Work
   1. Have the class study the paintings. Then, as a class, begin a discussion about the kinds of questions the students might ask in order to identify relevant information. Students should consider questions regarding influences in the artist’s work that may have contributed to his painting technique and approach. His experience, studies, and training will help the students begin to understand how experiences may affect an artist’s work.
      
   2. Have the class look up biographical information about the artist. Some research into his life is likely to provide insight to his painting. Questions about the artist's life, where he lived, and the era in which he lived will help to clarify the contextual conditions that influence his perceptions.
      
      
3. Have the students write a model for analysis that will help them analyze the paintings with a critical eye. Students should be guided to consider questions that address the works themselves such as common themes, images, and formal elements. At the same time, they need to consider other questions that address the historical context of the 1920s.
   
   
4. Using the model, have the students analyze Stella’s work. Have the class discuss to what extent Stella accurately portrays the city in the 1920s.