a pattern is a design made by repeating shapes, lines, colours, or images

a geometric shape is a regular shape with clear edges, often made using maths or tools

symbolism is when an object, shape, or image stands for an idea or meaning

Patterns in medieval art

Art and design

Painting a portrait with colour and feeling

Layers and symbols: surface, texture and identity

Raised portraits: representation through dots and relief

Made in collaboration with October Gallery, in this unit pupils express personal identity through portraiture, material, memory and imagination. Pupils create textured paintings, symbolic surfaces, close-up feature portraits, and expressive self-maps that combine journey and face.

Charting self: exploring portrait and identity

What do floral and vine patterns symbolise in medieval art?

using objects or images to represent ideas

True or false? Personal objects and images in art can become symbols of identity.

to show something precious, divine, or eternal

Why did artists use gold leaf or gilding in their artwork?

What can thick texture in artwork help to show?

they show who the artist is or what matters to them

they make the artwork look more expensive

How can personal objects or images help to express identity in art?

True or false? If shapes in art look abstract, they don’t mean anything.

something the artist plans for the future

using thick paint to make a bumpy surface

Starter Quiz

What does the word texture mean in art?