Inspired by Art
Every subject in a Charlotte Mason education is approached in a way that allows the students to make their own connections and build a relationship with knowledge instead of just telling them exactly what to think. Picture Study is no exception. Mason provides a way for even young children to encounter a painting and make sense of it. Mason wrote,
“ It will be noticed that the work done on these pictures is done by the children themselves. There is no talk about schools of painting, little about style; consideration of these matters comes in later life, but the first and most important thing is to know the pictures themselves. As in a worthy book we leave the author to tell his own tale, so do we trust a picture to tell its tale through the medium the artist gave it. In the region of art as else-where we shut out the middleman.” Philosophy of Education, pp. 215-16
This method truly comes alive when you have a chance to see the actual painting in person. There is just something special when you are standing in front of the painting that you studied and has become part of your memory. I was able to experience that moment this past summer when I was in Florence, Italy. Several years ago, my children and I studied the paintings by Fra Angelico as part of Alveary’s curriculum. I was especially drawn to his painting Annunciation (c. 1440-1445) with the humble appearance of Mary and the different colors and patterns used by the artist. This painting, as well as many of his others, are not found in an art museum, but they are found inside the cells and hallways at the convent of San Marco, where they were painted. As I was walking up the stairs to the cells, I looked up and there it was on the wall—the actual fresco painted by Fra Angelico as a means of contemplation for the monks as they entered their cells. I was taken aback because I was not expecting it as I was casually walking up the stairs, and I was not expecting to be so moved by it. A lot of my time in Florence was spent viewing beautiful artwork but this fresco was one of the most meaningful to me because I had built a relationship with Fra Angelico and his artwork through the simple method of picture study. Have you had a similar experience? I would love to hear what works of art you have viewed in person and what that experience was like. Head over to the Hive and share your thoughts. You can read more about the Great Recognition in the monograph by Dr. Deani Van Pelt and Camille Malucci
Notes
1. Modern Language: Are you a native Spanish or French speaker using the Alveary language lesson plans? If so, we’d like to get your feedback as we develop next year’s curriculum. Please email us.
2. Nature Lore Book Options: We apologize for not including more information regarding the age appropriateness of The Haymeadow by Paulsen. All of the book suggestions for Nature Lore are intended to be read aloud. There is a note in the program concerning some frightening aspects of the story for some children with the suggestion to preread. We failed to specifically state that the book is not intended for children younger than Grade 7. The other two options are for all ages. Another free recommendation for all ages would be The Insect Man by Eleanor Doorly. It is a delightful story of the life of Jean Henri Farbe, the famous French entomologist.
3. Before Age 6: Have you looked at the Before Age 6 Guide (new this year)? You will find even just the book, toy, and other suggested resources fun to explore!
4. CORE Teacher Training: Registration is now open for fall cohorts of our 8-week intensive on Charlotte Mason's Methods, Conversations on Relational Education (CORE). Classes begin September 5.
5. Blue Open Door. Join CMI Founder Dr. Carroll Smith for “The Nature of the Learner,” a 6-week online course starting September 5! A deep dive into Charlotte Mason’s philosophy in light of current research and educational theory will show the continuing relevance of Mason’s ideas.
6. Office Hours: Here is the video from last week’s Office Hours on Latin with Angela Reed.
7..Out-of-Print books: Here is a quick overview of out-of-print books and alternatives. You can also find these on the errata page (under Step 3 of your Dashboard). We have added notes under the relevant books in the Program, as well.
