Animals, Symbolism, and Self-Portraits

My AP Drawing 1 class took on the task of diving deep into the world of animal symbolism in art. We decoded Renaissance artists use of animals to convey meaning, and we looked at how contemporary artists are using animals as symbols now.

Students read “Decoding Animals in Art History, From Immortal Peacocks to Lusty Rabbits” by Abigail Cain. Then picked an animal that appealed to them or meant something to them symbolically. They then set about creating a self-portrait where a part of them had become this animal. It could be their head it could be their body, or maybe just their hands!? Then, in the media of their choice they painted/collaged/drew a fully rendered work of art.