Painters Born in the 1800s 1800s Painters    

Lesson 36: Cats

by Natalia Goncharova

Directions

Study the painting for one week.

Over the week:

• Look at the painting.
• Read the synopsis.
• Study the vocabulary words.
• Read about the artist.
• Practice reciting the names of the artist and the painting.
• Complete the enrichment activities.
• Study the review questions.

Synopsis

Natalia Goncharova's 'Cats' is an example of 'Rayonism,' which sought to show objects not as they appeared, but as the rays of light reflecting off the objects. Look at the painting. Do you see the actual cat - the eyes, whiskers, or nose? Look at the painting again. Does the painting suggest a cat, or does it prompt your imagination to picture a cat? Perhaps the lines cutting across the canvas remind you of a cat slashing with its claws. Perhaps the triangles remind you of the shapes of the face or ears of a cat.

Vocabulary

Abstract: Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
Abstract Art: Art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

Concepts

1. Russian avant-garde artist, Natalia Sergeevna Goncharova, was born in 1881 in Nagaevo, Russian Empire.

2. Zoom in and find Goncharova's country of birth (Russia) on the map of Europe.

3. Goncharova painted, designed costumes and sets, sculpted, and created illustrations.
4. Starting at the age of 20, Goncharova studied sculpture for eight years at Moscow Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture.
5. Goncharova became an avant-garde artist, breaking conventions with experimental or unorthodox techniques.
6. Goncharova died in Paris, France in 1962 at the age of 81 after a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Can You Find It?

During the week, study the painting and find the following:

• Triangles
• Lines
• V Shape
• Crosses
• Stars

Activity 2: Narrate the Painting

• After studying the painting, narrate the scene shown in the painting aloud using your own words.

Activity 3: Complete Vocabulary Activities

• While studying the vocabulary words, point them out in the painting.
• Define each of the vocabulary words in your own words.

Activity 4: Color the Painting   

• Click the crayon above, and complete page 46 of 'First Grade Art History Coloring Book.'

Review

Question 1

Who are the characters in the painting?

1 / 2

Answer 1

The character is a cat.

1 / 2

Question 2

Do you see a cat in the painting?

2 / 2

Answer 2

No, we do not see a cat. The painting attempts to capture the reflection of light rays off a cat.

2 / 2

❮ ❯

1. Who are the characters in the painting? The character is a cat.
2. Do you see a cat in the painting? No, we do not see a cat. The painting attempts to capture the reflection of light rays off a cat.

References

'Natalia Goncharova.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.

'Cats (rayist percep. in rose, black, and yellow) (Goncharova, 1913).' Wikimedia Commons. Commons.wikimedia.org. n.p.