Questions to help the pupil understand the picture. Who were the prophets? What had they to do with the development of religion? Who painted this picture? Where is the original? What can you say of the composition of this picture? of the light and shade? What do we call paintings on a wall? What is there unusual about this painting? For what do you admire it? Why was Moses given the most important place in this picture? Tell the story of his life. Why is he often represented with two little horns on his forehead? Tell something about each one of the prophets. Which one is Mr. Sargent’s favorite?
To the Teacher: Certain pupils may be selected to study and give orally a description of different portions of this picture.
Subjects for Composition
1. How the Prophets Helped in the Development of Religion.
2. The Most Interesting Prophet.
3. The Most Pleasing Group of Prophets.
4. Life of the Artist.
5. Reasons Why This Painting Has Become Famous.
6. How Fresco or Mural Painting Is Done.
The story of the artist. We are especially interested in Mr. Sargent because he is one of the living American artists who has won fame both in his own country and abroad. Although John Singer Sargent was born in Florence, Italy, we claim him as an American because his parents were Americans and because he has always considered himself an American. His boyhood was spent in Florence, where it was his delight to wander in the art galleries. He showed an early talent for drawing, and when he was nineteen years old he went to Paris to become the pupil of some of the best artists.