Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom Ag in Art Chinese Plate with Cherries and Bean Pods, Giovanna Garzoni (1620) Giovanna Garzoni was one of the first women artists to practice the art of still life painting. Her paintings were so well liked that, according to one writer, she could sell her work "for whatever price she wished." One of Garzoni's earliest works, a 1625 calligraphy book, includes capital letters illuminated with fruits, flowers, birds, and insects. These subjects were to become her specialty, and tempera on vellum was her preferred medium. Garzoni's refined interpretation of plants and animals suited the taste of her aristocratic patrons, like the Medici family, and could be found decorating their villas. What shapes do you find in this painting? Describe the texture. Describe the light and shadow. Discuss the depth perception. What is the purpose of the beans? How is the color of the cherries in this painting similar or different from the cherries you are accustomed to seeing? How is the painting realistic or not realistic? Make a list of adjectives to describe this painting. Write a description of this painting. P.A.S.S. for these activities Grade 1 - Writing: 2.5; 3.1e. Visual Art: 1.1,2; 2.1,3 Grade 2 - Writing: 2.2c; 3.1g. Visual Art: 1.1,2; 2.1,3 Grade 3 - Writing: 2.3ab; 3.1i. Visual Art: 1.1,2,3; 2.1,3 Grade 4 - Writing: 2.1; 3.1h. Visual Art: 1.1,2,3; 2.1,3 Back to Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom Back to Ag in Art Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom is a program of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, 4-H Youth Development, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.