Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic

One Artist's Portrayal of Good versus Evil

Sep 12, 2001

As Americans look towards a declaration of war, I feel it fitting to show how one artist has depicted his own vision of war. You may choose to discuss this artwork with your children, students, or friends.

Revelation xii.7:

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

Durer's St Michael struggles to force his spear into the dragon's throat. The dragon, represents a great evil, which St. Michael has been chosen to battle. Around St.Michael, other angels fight valiantly, as well. For detailed information on this artist and artwork go to: http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/html/d/durer/g...

Aesthetically Scan the artwork, and then discuss it. Suggested Discussion Questions: Compare the battle facing the United States to that of St.Michael and his angels. Why does the country below St.Michael appear so serene, when the sky is filled with the battle of good versus evil? How would you represent the war between the United States and the evil of terrorism?

Suggested Production Activity:Using only pencil and paper, draw a depiction of the battle of good versus evil, as you see it.

Criticism Exercise: Write a critique of Durer's piece.

For help with these exercises, review my past article that explains how to aesthetically scan. Once you have scanned the piece, you are ready to write an informed critical review of it.

Go To Page: 1

The copyright of the article One Artist's Portrayal of Good versus Evil in Art Education is owned by Colleen Madonna Flood Williams. Permission to republish One Artist's Portrayal of Good versus Evil in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Email Article

View All Articles

Here's the follow-up discussion on this article:

View all related messages

2. Sep 14, 2001 4:45 PM
In response to message posted by Poemwriter1:

Art is not only meant to allow us to see beauty, but also to expre ...

-- posted by colleenmwilliams

1. Sep 14, 2001 10:10 AM
This is just the kind of exercise I need to get my mind off of "things" and focus my energy to more creative channels. Perfect timing, too, my son is down for his nap! ...

-- posted by Poemwriter1

For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Colleen Madonna Flood Williams's Art Education topic, please visit the Discussions page.