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Cross-curricular ideas: Creative approaches

Nudity and exposure

Think about what is happening in Diana and Actaeon. Actaeon has stumbled on the naked goddess but does he look like he is enjoying the experience? What about the goddess and her nymphs – how many of them are in a hurry to cover themselves up?

Think about the convention of a 'bathing painting'. What did this allow artists to paint and who were the artists painting for? Compare 'Diana and Actaeon' with other paintings where people are bathing.

Look at Degas's After the Bath, Woman drying herself. How does this painting differ from Titian's scene? Who is missing? Is  there still a male presence?

Now look at the style of Bathers by Cézanne. Who do you think this painting was painted for?

Cross-curricular ideas