START WITH ART: Self Portrait of Anna Maria van Schurman

We're starting every day with art (history!). You can too by simply adding our calendar to yours by clicking here then click "add."

Here's how to #STARTWITHART:

Step one: Take a look at the artwork below

Step two: Read the questions below the picture of the art to the students/children in your life

Step three: See how starting your day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking! 

It's that easy!

Today we're looking at a self-portrait by Anna Maria van Schurman AND today happens to be her birthday. Happy Birthday Anna Maria van Schurman!

Title: Self Portrait

Artist:  Anna Maria van Schurman

Date: 1640

Medium: Engraving

Dimensions: 17.3 x 21.2 cm

Start with Art Questions: 

• Can you describe Anna Maria van Schurman's clothing? What does her posture and expression tell you about her?

• Anna Maria van Schurman was a scholar and an artist, which was quite unusual for her time. How does her self-portrait reflect her identity as both a scholar and an artist? 

• Imagine you could have a conversation with Anna Maria van Schurman. What questions would you want to ask her about her life, her interests, and her experiences as a woman in the 17th century?