Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. To understand the historical context of Hellenistic Greece and its impact on art, with a particular focus on the spread of Greek culture after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

2. To identify the key characteristics of Hellenistic art, including the shift from idealized forms to more realistic and emotionally charged representations, the introduction of new subject matter, and the increased complexity and dynamism of sculptures.

3. To analyze specific examples of Hellenistic art, including the Laocoön and his Sons, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, in order to apply the knowledge of the period's characteristics.

Secondary Objectives:

• To develop critical thinking skills by comparing and contrasting Hellenistic art with earlier Greek and later Roman periods.
• To enhance visual literacy by interpreting artworks and discussing the techniques used by the artists.

Introduction (10 - 12 minutes)

1. The teacher begins by reminding the students of their previous lessons on Greek art and its focus on idealized forms and the depiction of gods and heroes. This will help students to understand the dramatic shift in style and subject matter that occurred during the Hellenistic period. The teacher may use images of classical Greek sculptures, such as the Doryphoros and the Parthenon friezes, to refresh the students' memory (2 - 3 minutes).

2. The teacher then presents two problem situations to the students:

   • The first problem could be the conundrum faced by a sculptor during the Hellenistic period: "You are a skilled sculptor in Hellenistic Greece, known for your ability to create realistic and emotionally charged sculptures. However, you are commissioned to create a statue of a god, a subject traditionally depicted in a calm and idealized manner. How would you approach this task, given the new artistic trends of the period?" This problem will help students to understand the challenges and creative decisions faced by Hellenistic artists (3 - 4 minutes).

   • The second problem could be a mystery surrounding a well-known Hellenistic sculpture: "The Laocoön and his Sons is a famous Hellenistic sculpture depicting a Trojan priest and his sons being attacked by sea serpents. However, the original heads of the figures are missing. Why might this be, and how does the missing part of the sculpture affect our interpretation of it?" This problem will engage students' curiosity and encourage them to think critically about the artworks they will be studying (3 - 4 minutes).

3. The teacher contextualizes the importance of the subject by discussing the influence of Hellenistic art on later periods, particularly the Roman Empire. The teacher can explain how the realistic and emotive style of Hellenistic sculptures influenced Roman art, which in turn had a profound impact on Western art. The teacher can also mention the ongoing debates among art historians about the significance and interpretation of Hellenistic art, highlighting that the students' understanding of the subject is part of a larger, ongoing scholarly conversation (2 - 3 minutes).

4. To grab the students' attention, the teacher can share a couple of intriguing facts or stories about Hellenistic art:

   • The teacher can tell the students about the discovery of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, one of the most famous Hellenistic sculptures, in the 19th century. The statue was found in several pieces on the island of Samothrace and was painstakingly reconstructed over several years. This story can illustrate the durability of these ancient artworks and the skill and dedication of modern scholars in piecing together the past (1 - 2 minutes).

   • The teacher can also share the story of the rivalry between two Hellenistic sculptors, Praxiteles and Lysippos. According to ancient sources, Praxiteles was known for his idealized and sensual depictions of the human form, while Lysippos was famous for his innovative use of dynamic poses and exaggerated proportions. This story can highlight the diversity and creativity of Hellenistic art (1 - 2 minutes).

Development

Pre-Class Activities (10 - 15 minutes)

1. The teacher assigns a video to the students to watch at home, providing an overview of Hellenistic Greece art, its characteristics, and its significance. This video will provide the students with the foundational knowledge they need to understand the topic. Suggested video: "Hellenistic Greece: Art, Culture, and History" from The Met Museum (5 - 7 minutes).

2. The students are then assigned to read an article or a chapter from a book about the Laocoön and his Sons, one of the most renowned Hellenistic sculptures. The resource will provide an in-depth understanding of a prominent Hellenistic artwork, helping students to engage better with the topic during the in-class activities. Suggested reading: Chapter 4, "The Viewer's Share: The Laocoön Group and Its Contexts," from "The Laocoön Group: In Context" by Peter Bondanella and Julia Bondanella (5 - 8 minutes).

3. The students are required to make notes on the key points from the video and reading, particularly focusing on the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art and the details about the Laocoön and his Sons sculpture. These notes will serve as a reference during the in-class activities (3 - 5 minutes).

In-Class Activities (25 - 30 minutes)

Activity 1: "Sculptor's Dilemma" Role Play (10 - 12 minutes)

1. The students are divided into small groups and each group is given a scenario card describing a commission for a Hellenistic sculptor. The scenarios could include a statue of a god, a portrait of a famous general, a memorial to a fallen soldier, or a scene from a myth or historical event. The scenarios should be carefully designed to challenge the students, forcing them to consider how a Hellenistic artist might balance the demands of tradition and innovation. The students have to decide how they would approach the commission, considering the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art (4 - 5 minutes).

2. After deciding on their approach, each group will present their decision to the class, explaining their reasoning and how they plan to incorporate the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art into their sculpture. The other groups will then have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback (4 - 5 minutes).

3. The teacher will then lead a discussion, summarizing the key points from each group's presentation and drawing connections to the historical context and characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art. The teacher will also address any misconceptions or areas of confusion that arise during the discussion (2 - 3 minutes).

Activity 2: "Interpretation Challenge" Discussion and Debate (15 - 18 minutes)

1. The students are divided into new groups, and each group is given a high-quality image of a different Hellenistic sculpture, including the Laocoön and his Sons and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The students are also provided with a list of questions to guide their analysis of the artwork. The questions should encourage the students to consider the artwork's subject, style, and composition, and to think about how the artwork reflects the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art.

2. The groups will discuss their assigned sculpture, considering the questions and analyzing the artwork using the knowledge they gained from the pre-class activities. The students should also consider how their assigned artwork compares to the other Hellenistic sculptures they have studied.

3. After the group discussions, the teacher will facilitate a class-wide debate, with each group presenting their findings and interpretations of their assigned artwork. The other groups will then have the opportunity to ask questions and challenge the presenting group's interpretations, fostering a lively and intellectual discussion about the artworks and the Hellenistic period.

4. The teacher will then summarize the discussion, highlighting the variety of interpretations and the complexity of Hellenistic art. The teacher will also address any misconceptions or areas of confusion that arose during the debate, ensuring that all students have a clear understanding of the topic.

5. To conclude the class, the teacher will ask the students to reflect on the day's activities and what they have learned about Hellenistic Greece art. The students will then have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions and to share any insights or observations they have made during the lesson.

Feedback (5 - 7 minutes)

1. The teacher initiates a group discussion, allowing each group to share their solutions or conclusions from the "Sculptor's Dilemma" role play activity. Each group is given up to 2 minutes to present their work, highlighting the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art they incorporated into their hypothetical sculptures and their reasoning behind their choices. This will give students the opportunity to hear and learn from each other's ideas and will foster a sense of collaboration and shared learning (3 - 4 minutes).

2. The teacher then facilitates a class-wide discussion about the group presentations, asking probing questions to ensure that students understand the connections between the scenarios, the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art, and the historical context. The teacher may also use this time to address any common misconceptions or areas of confusion that arose during the group presentations (1 - 2 minutes).

3. The teacher then transitions to the "Interpretation Challenge" discussion and debate, inviting each group to share their interpretations of their assigned Hellenistic sculpture. Similar to the previous activity, each group is given up to 2 minutes to present their findings. The teacher encourages the other groups to ask questions and engage in a constructive dialogue with the presenting group (1 - 2 minutes).

4. Finally, the teacher facilitates a class-wide discussion about the different interpretations of the Hellenistic sculptures, highlighting the complexity and versatility of Hellenistic art. The teacher also links the students' interpretations back to the characteristics of Hellenistic Greece art, reinforcing the key concepts of the lesson. The teacher may also use this discussion to address any common difficulties or misconceptions in understanding Hellenistic art (1 - 2 minutes).

5. To conclude the lesson, the teacher asks the students to reflect on what they have learned and to identify any remaining questions or areas of confusion. The teacher can use this feedback to plan future lessons and to ensure that all students have a solid grasp of the material. The teacher also encourages the students to continue exploring the topic outside of class, perhaps by visiting a local museum or researching more about Hellenistic art online. The teacher may provide suggestions for further reading or viewing on the topic (1 - 2 minutes).

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. The teacher begins by summarizing the main points of the lesson. They reiterate the historical context of Hellenistic Greece and the shift in art from idealized forms to more realistic and emotionally charged representations. They also remind the students of the new subject matter introduced and the increased complexity and dynamism of sculptures during this period (1 - 2 minutes).

2. The teacher then explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and applications. They highlight how the pre-class activities provided the theoretical background on Hellenistic Greece art, the in-class activities allowed students to apply this knowledge in a practical way (through role plays and discussions), and the discussions and debates prompted students to consider the real-world applications and significance of Hellenistic art (1 - 2 minutes).

3. The teacher suggests additional materials for students interested in further exploring the topic. These could include recommended books, documentaries, websites, or visits to local museums (1 minute). Some suggestions could be:

   • Books: "Hellenistic Sculpture" by Brunilde Sismondo Ridgway, "Hellenistic Art" by Christine Mitchell Havelock.
   • Documentaries: "The Hellenistic World: The Age of Alexander" from The Great Courses or "The Colossus of Rhodes: The Giant Statue That Once Stood Guard Over the Ancient World" from Smithsonian Channel.
   • Websites: The Met Museum's online collection of Hellenistic art, the Louvre's website featuring the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or the British Museum's website featuring the Elgin Marbles.

4. Lastly, the teacher wraps up the lesson with a few final thoughts. They emphasize the influence of Hellenistic Greece art on later periods, particularly the Roman Empire, and how the students' understanding of this period contributes to a broader comprehension of Western art history. They also encourage students to continue exploring and appreciating art, reminding them that art is not just about aesthetics, but also a reflection of the society, history, and culture in which it was created. (1 - 2 minutes).