About the 19th Century
Let’s celebrate artworks from the museum’s collection by Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet, Willard Leroy Metcalf, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Childe Hassam, and others that tell a story about a complex time in Europe and America. The 19th Century in European and American Art galleries feature 85 stunning artworks, highlighting the museum’s collection of French landscape paintings during a time when Paris, the capital of France, became the art center of Europe.
Edgar Degas, Dance Examination (Examen de Danse), 1880. Pastel on paper; 24-1/2 x 18 in. Denver Art Museum; anonymous gift. 1941.6
Looking Together
This lesson for early childhood learners involves many senses and will encourage a closer look at one of the artworks from the exhibition, Dance Examination by Edgar Degas. Edgar Degas often made art about everyday people and the modern, bustling city around him, including the ballet dancers at the popular Paris Opéra. Your whole class or family can get inspired learning about the textures found in the artwork while listening to French classical music.
Childe Hassam, A Walk in the Park or Springtime in the Park, about 1900. Oil paint on canvas laid down on panel, 14-3/4 x 21-1/2 in. Frederic C. Hamilton Collection, bequeathed to the Denver Art Museum, 41.2017.
Creating Together
Like many other American and European artists in the 19th century, Frederick Childe Hassam worked with a quickly changing subject: the landscape. Using sharp observation, he painted scenes which captured brief yet impactful moments. Put your own observation and imagination to work and create alongside Hassam with this activity!
Claude Monet, Waterlilies or The Water Lily Pond (Nymphéas), 1904. Denver Art Museum Collection: Funds from Helen Dill bequest, 1935.14. Photograph courtesy of the Denver Art Museum
Thinking Together
Connect to the scientific side of the landscapes found in the exhibition with this activity about the Water Lily Pond by artist Claude Monet. Kids will investigate the environment in France before creating a collage of a garden to correspond with their own geographical location.
Related Creativity Resources
Thinking About Design
The Art of the Samurai
Suit of Armor and Helmet is a unique object in our collection that looks functional but was actually made in admiration of Samurai’s of the past. Take a closer look at how this suit of armor balances delicate details and symbols of fierceness and consider what faithfulness, loyalty, and dedication might have meant in 18th century Japan.
From Art to Money and Everything in Between
Adventure through the Pink Universe
Guide your students and/or children through the Pink Universe with fun activities inspired by Simphiwe Ndzube: Oracles of the Pink Universe. Activities include an artmaking project and a book recommendation.
Putting It Together
Collaborative artmaking has the power to bond people, cultures, and community. With the opening of the Each/Other exhibition, take a closer look at two of Marie Watts' artworks and discover how they are a gateway to collaboration, sharing, and creativity.
Playing with Pattern
Visual patterns appear in every aspect of our lives—from the architecture around us to the natural world. Sometimes artists and designers are inspired by existing patterns or create their own to add visual interest to their work. We encourage you to keep an eye out for patterns around you and explore creating your own unique patterns through these activities.
