You are at the top of the page

Skip to content or footer

Start of main content

Nature as Code

Creating Identity Using Nature Symbolism

Creating Identity Using Nature Symbolism

About this learning resource

Format: PDF

Portrait artists of the Tudor era used nature symbolism as a form of coded language between sitter and viewer to promote a specific public image. This lesson pack examines the difference between public image and private identity. Students decode public personas in Tudor-era portraits. They will then explore, through self-portraiture incorporating nature symbols, their personal sense of self and how that supports self esteem.

National Curriculum links

  • Create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas
  • Learn about great artists, architects and designers in history
  • Respecting self and others

Learning objectives

  • Be able to describe how Nature symbols have been used by the artists to convey public and private messages about the sitters in Tudor-era portraiture
  • Be able to explain the difference between Image (public) and Identity (private)
  • Explore personal qualities, strengths, skills, traits, interests, concerns and ambitions

Resource Information

Key Stage

  • KS2 (age 7-11)

Subjects

  • Art & Design
  • History of Art
  • PSHE

Topic

  • Tudors

Palace

  • Tower of London
back to Learning resources

Download an editable Tudor Kings and Queens Family Tree for Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Use key facts, activities and historic sources to explore King Henry VIII, his queens and his children.

Key Stage

  • Home Educators
  • KS2 (age 7-11)
  • KS3 (age 11-14)
  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)
  • International Schools

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Tudors
  • Elizabethans

Step into the role of advisors and respond to the currency troubles facing England.

Key Stage

  • KS3 (age 11-14)

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Tudors

How did the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I maintain power?

Key Stage

  • KS4 (age 15-16)
  • KS5 (age 16+)

Subject

  • History

Topic

  • Tudors
  • Elizabethans
  • Crime & Punishment