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Art Imitating Life


  • World History
  • Fine Art


  • 6-8
  • 9-12


Brief Description

Students examine art from a variety of civilizations to explore the role of women in those societies.


Students learn about the history of women and society by examining the art of various civilizations.


art, culture, women, society

Materials Needed[shopmaterials]

Lesson Plan

  • Show students the ten pictures of art objects in the lesson Assessing Women's Past Through Art: An Interpretation Activity. Display the pictures one at a time, asking the following questions after each:
    1. What does the art show?
    2. What civilization might it come from?
    3. During approximately what time period was it made?
    4. What can you deduce from the art about the role of women in the civilization it comes from?
    5. What about the art that makes you think that?
  • After students have answered the questions about each picture, discuss the correct answers.
  • Arrange students into pairs or small groups, and assign each group one of the civilizations discussed in the art activity. Ask each group to further explore the role of women in its assigned civilization and to prepare an oral presentation on that role.


Evaluate students on their responses to the questions and on their ability to justify those responses.

Lesson Plan Source

Women in World History Curriculum

Submitted By

Linda Starr

National Standards

Social Sciences:

Fine Arts: