Figure 7-9 How would you describe the style of this painting? What details has the artist included that are not in the fable? Frans Snyders. The Fable of the Fox and the Stork. c. 1630–40. Oil on canvas. 116.8 cm 152.4 cm (46 60 ). Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, New York. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. James V. Aquavella.
The animals in this fable possess human traits and each displays a distinct personality. Notice the character traits shown by the animals’ behaviors. Which traits are being depicted in this fable? What is the lesson or moral of the fable?
FABLES IN ART Look at Figure 7–9. This painting is by a seventeenth-century Flemish artist named Frans Snyders. This painting illustrates a particular scene from the fable The Fox and the Crane. Notice, in particular, the expression Snyders has depicted on the faces of the animals. The painting captures a significant moment in the fable. What moment is illustrated in this scene? Do you think the artist successfully captured this moment?
MAKE THE CONNECTION Take Another Look 1. Look once more at the painting in Figure 7–9. The painting captures a frozen moment in the fable. Which moment has the artist depicted? 2. What character traits can you associate with the fox and the crane?
Art & Reading Writing and illustrating a fable. Now it is your turn to write and illustrate a fable of your own: ● Begin by brainstorming well-known morals or lessons. Select a moral for your fable. ● Write your fable describing the moral you selected. ● Next, do visual illustrations of one or more scenes from your fable. Remember, to select animals as “actors” that represent character traits reflected in your fable. ● When you have finished, share your fable with classmates. See if they can identify the moral and scene(s) depicted in your illustrations.
Lesson 4 Art & Reading
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