OOD Representation of Women in Arts through the Centuries

The activity took place on the beach near the city of Cerignola after the visit of the salt pans in Marguerita di Savoia. The students were divided into 6 mixed groups (each including French, Portuguese and Italian pupils).

Each group was given a copy of « The birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, the 15th century Italian painter. The art teacheranalyzed the painting with the students, focusing on the representation of the ideal feminine body at that time. She alsoinsisted on all the symbols present in the picture, thus helping the students have an in-depth understanding of the work of  art.

They were then asked to choose an element in the painting and try to make a sand sculpture of them. Some elements of decoration were at their disposal. The art teacher visited each group and gave them some advice to carry out the activity in the best conditions.  After some time, the students showed their creations and gave their feedback.

The students took an active part in the activity, which was both entertaining and meaningful. Each member of the group had the opportunity of being invoved, whatever their skills and abilities. They improved their general artistic knowledgeand developed their creativity in a recreational setting. They were led to think of the representaion of women in art, especially at the time of the Italian Renaissance and could compare with contemporary art.