Curriculum Materials: Art in America



Image 3

Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Drawing Room


Key Points

Essays:
Historic House
About this Object

Questions:
Look Questions
Think Questions



Think Questions

1. This room set up in the museum is called a PERIOD ROOM. Why might this room and other rooms in museums be called period rooms? Why are these rooms in a museum? What makes a period room different from a room in someone's house?

2. In this image of the Charleston Drawing Room, you can see electric lights. Would these lights have been used in 1772? Why or why not? How would the room have been lit?

3. Why might the family have chosen to decorate with so much red throughout the room? How would the room look if many different colors were used throughout?

4. Though made in the colonies, some of the furniture in this room emulates Chippendale furniture, which was very fashionable in England at the time. Why would the Stuart family want to have furniture that was fashionable in England? Why would they have the furniture made in the colonies rather than import it?

5. The furnishing and decoration of this room from Charleston, South Carolina, reflect the British heritage of the family that lived here. Which, if any, of the furnishings, decorations, or items in your home reflect your family's heritage?

6. Compare and contrast this drawing room from Charleston to the Connecticut Room. Which looks larger? Why do you think this is so? Which would have had more light? Which one comes from a home in a warmer climate? How can you tell? Which one looks more comfortable? Why do you think so? Which one would you prefer to spend time in? Why?

Teacher Answer Key



To the Teacher ~ Introduction ~ Timeline ~ Artwork Index ~ Categories for Comparison ~ Glossary ~ How to Order ~ Your Comments