Nature as Code

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 image in Tudor-era portraits. They explore, through self-portraiture incorporating nature symbols, their personal sense of self and how that supports self esteem. They also explore how and why people may present a public image that is very different from their private identity.

National Curriculum links

• About the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day
• To analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work
• The impact that media and social media can have on how people think about themselves and express themselves, including regarding body image, physical and mental health

Learning objectives

• Explore the difference between Image (public) and Identity (private)
• Describe how Nature symbols have been used by Tudor artists to convey public and private messages about the sitters
• Make comparisons between symbolism in Tudor portraits and today’s celebrity images on the internet and social media

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