Using Paintings in Religious Education

Using paintings in Religious Education

Saints Peter and Paul, Carlo Crivelli 1470 http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli-saints-peter-and-paul (Peter – Matthew 16:13-19; John 21:15-19 Paul – Acts 9: 1-19; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

Background information for teachers (This information will not necessarily be shared with children. These interpretations are only one viewpoint and children should be given an opportunity to form their own opinions about the picture)

We can identify St Peter and St Paul by the symbols that they are holding. St Peter holds keys because Jesus referred to this symbol when he gave him the responsibility of leading the Church (Matt 16: 13-19). He is also traditionally depicted as an old man, perhaps to symbolise his venerability. He holds a Bible, symbolising perhaps his role in spreading the Gospel. St Paul holds a sword because, traditionally, he is believed to have been martyred with a sword. His hand rests on a book, representing all his writings (1 Corinthians is one of many letters St Paul wrote to the early Church).

There is more information about the painting and the artist available on the National Gallery website.

Ensure that the children realise:

o The picture is not historically accurate but the artist’s imaginative reconstruction o Symbols were used so that people could identify saints easily – particularly in an age where most couldn’t read o St Paul never met Jesus, although he did meet the Risen Christ on the road to Damascas (Acts 9:3-9)

The painting provides a starting point to stimulate the children’s imagination but discussion and outcomes should always return to the scripture story.

Approach

The picture might be displayed on the interactive board and reflective music played. It is helpful to allow the children to express their own responses to the picture before any general discussion takes place.

When discussion and practical activities have taken place, create a prayerful atmosphere and return to the picture so that the children are given an opportunity to reflect quietly on their own insights.

Some activities – these suggestions are only intended to be starting points. The year groups are approximate and questions and activities should be adapted to the needs of the children.

Year 3 and 4  Discuss the picture in pairs. Use the ‘zoom’ to examine the details. What do you notice? Why do Possible Curriculum Directory links: you think St Peter is shown with keys? Look at St Revelation – hear about, read and Paul. What is he holding? Why do you think his explore Gospel accounts of how the hand is resting on a book? lives of men and women were http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli- changed by their encounters with saints-peter-and-paul Jesus  Read or listen to Matthew 16:13-19; 1 Corinthians Life in Christ – accounts in Scripture 1: 1-3 and talk about what you have found out. of God’s invitation and a variety of  Look at some more paintings. Can you be a responses detective and spot St. Peter and St. Paul in them? Give your reasons http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/workshop- of-dirk-bouts-the-virgin-and-child-with-saint-peter- and-saint-paul

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/followers- of-gerard-david-saint-peter-and-a-donor

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/followers- of-gerard-david-saint-paul-and-a-donatrix  Read John 21: 15-19 and Acts 9: 1-19. What do you think these accounts tell us about St Peter and St Paul? What do these accounts tell us about encountering Jesus?  Find out about how St. Peter and St. Paul spread Jesus message. What do Christians believe about the mission of the Church?

Year 5 and 6  Discuss the picture, using the ‘zoom’ to study the details. In pairs discuss which details they can Possible Curriculum Directory links: remember from Scripture accounts. Why do they Revelation – hear about, read and think the artist has included these symbols? explore Gospel accounts of how the http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/carlo-crivelli- lives of men and women were saints-peter-and-paul changed by their encounters with Jesus  Read Matthew 16:13-19; 1 Corinthians: 1-3 and Church – the teaching role of the talk about what you have found out apostles  How does the Church acknowledge the lives of Life in Christ – accounts in Scripture these saints? (e.g. both have been canonised as of God’s invitation and a variety of saints -feast day June 29 , Peter remembered as responses the first Pope, the writings of Paul have greatly influenced the teachings of the Church etc.)  Write a letter to someone who isn’t a Christian, describing how important the lives of St Peter and/or St Paul have been to the mission of the Church. Refer to at least two separate sources e.g. Scripture and the Church’s Tradition and/or human experience.