Nature as Code

About this learning resource

Format: PDF

Portrait artists of the Tudor era used nature symbolism as a form of coded language between sitter and viewer to promote a specific public image. This lesson pack examines the difference between public image and private identity. Students decode public personas in Tudor-era portraits. They will then explore, through self-portraiture incorporating nature symbols, their personal sense of self and how that supports self esteem.

National Curriculum links

• Create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas
• Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history
• Respecting self and others

Learning objectives

• Be able to describe how Nature symbols have been used by the artists to convey public and private messages about the sitters in Tudor-era portraiture
• Be able to explain the difference between Image (public) and Identity (private)
• Explore personal qualities, strengths, skills, traits, interests, concerns and ambitions

Resource Information