Unit title

Holbein to Hockney

Focus Essential Learning Area

The Arts

Focus Strand/strands

The Visual Arts

• developing practical knowledge in the visual arts

• communicating and interpreting in the visual arts

• understanding the visual arts in context

Suitability

Students - years 7-13
Curriculum - levels 4-8

Study Overview

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to view and discuss a range of artworks featured in the Holbein to Hockney exhibition (seventy-six works on paper spanning 500 years of art history) on loan from the Royal Collection.

The exhibition is primarily made up of drawings, and students will focus on the development of drawing materials through time and the subsequent impact on techniques employed by artists.

The exhibition is arranged thematically. Students will be able to trace the depiction of a subject through time and how new ideas and art movements are expressed. In addition, there will be an opportunity for students to interact with some of the drawing materials and supports - like silverpoint and vellum.

Learning Outcomes

A visit to Holbein to Hockney will enable students to:

• identify the difference between an artwork created by metalpoint, chalk, charcoal; pen and ink, watercolour, and graphite

• understand how artists use the different effects made possible by different materials to create varying styles in their artwork

• be aware that stylistic development evident in some of the featured artworks came about as a result of new drawing materials and supports becoming available

• understand how different artists approach the same subjects - and be aware of the similarities and differences

• be aware of the different functions of drawing - such as being preparatory sketches for painting, sculpture, or architecture; and drawing as documentary and as complete works of art.