Chapter 4: Toward a Democracy "America the Beautiful"

Introduction
Students have read about the Hudson River School painters and other artists who worked to portray the beauty and wonder of America. In this lesson, students will analyze the works of one such painter, Thomas Cole.

Lesson Description
Students will navigate the National Museum of American Art Web site to find the paintings of Thomas Cole. Students will examine his paintings and answer four questions about them.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will be able to analyze paintings and answer questions about them.
2. Students will be able to determine which painting they like best and provide reasons for their choice.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. the American landscape
2. Answers will vary, but could include: majestic, wondrous, magnificent, powerful, beautiful.
3. Humans are depicted as small; Cole possibly saw humans as small and insignificant in the face of nature.
4. Students should provide adequate reasons for their opinions.

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