Introduce inquiry to your kiddos using the exercise below.

Ask your pupils to spend 1 quiet minute looking at the image.

When they’ve had enough time to digest the artwork, ask them: What do you see?

• As you lead this discussion, accept any response! Praise your child for sharing their thoughts.

• Paraphrase your child’s answer using your own words to make sure you’re both on the same page.

• When you’ve come to the end of their lines of thought, ask another question!

What do you think the setting of this painting may be?

•  Or, if we were standing inside of this painting, where might we be?

It seems to me like the artist is intentionally setting up a scene of mystery. What information about this image do you wish you knew?

• First consider making a list of what you can assume just by looking at the painting:

1.  

2.  

3.  

• Now, make a list of what we don’t know. For example, is he alone? What activity is he currently engaged in? Why might his sleeves be rolled up so high?

1.  

2.  

3.  

Take a moment to try to mimic the man’s expression with your own face. How do you feel?

Think of one word to describe his facial expression. Why did you choose that word?

If we had to guess, what may be happening in front of the man? Or, what is he looking at?

•  Imagine the artwork is a paused TV screen. You have the power to push play with your imagination! What happens when you push the play button?

Let’s take a second to discuss his hair. What do you notice?

•   If he dyed his hair, what may have motivated him to do so? Why might people feel compelled to change their appearance?

Last question! Why might the artist have chosen to capture this moment in time and not another? Why might this moment be important?