The Port of Algiers

My name is Isabella, and I will be your guide today through one of our most impressive paintings! It's called "The Port of Algiers," and it was painted a long, long time ago, in 1922, by an artist named Albert Marquet. Isn't that a cool name? nn (Pause for children's responses) nn This painting is like a window to another place. It shows a harbor in Algiers, a city in Africa. Can you imagine what a harbor looks like? What do you think you might see there? nn (Pause for children's responses and encourage descriptions) nn The painting is quite small, only 65 centimeters wide and 54 centimeters high. That's about the size of a large book! But even though it's small, it shows us so much. Look at all the colors! nn

(Pause for children to observe the painting) nn See all the pretty blue and green colors in the water? They make the water look calm and peaceful, don't they? And look at the buildings! They are a warm, orange-y color, like terracotta pots. What do you think the buildings are made of? nn (Pause for children's responses) nn The artist, Albert Marquet, was very clever with his colors. He used cool blues and greens for the water and warm oranges for the buildings. It makes the painting feel balanced and happy. The sky is a soft blue-gray, almost like the water. It makes the whole scene feel very peaceful and quiet. nn

(Pause for children to observe the painting) nn Now, look closely at the water. Do you see the little boats? They're small, but they're important. They help us understand how big the harbor is. And can you see the tiny people on the shore? They're so small, they look like little ants! But they show us that people live and work in this harbor. nn

(Pause for children to observe the painting) nn Albert Marquet didn't use harsh, dark colors. He used soft colors and gentle brushstrokes. It makes the painting feel very gentle and calm. It's like a quiet, peaceful day at the harbor. What do you think the people in the painting are doing? Are they happy? What makes you think that? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn This painting isn't just a picture of a harbor. It shows us how the artist felt about the place. He wanted to show us the peace and quiet of the harbor. He wanted us to feel calm and peaceful when we look at it. It's a beautiful painting, isn't it? What's your favorite part? nn (Pause for children's responses and discussion) nn I hope you enjoyed looking at "The Port of Algiers" with me today. Remember, looking at art is like telling a story with colors and shapes. It's fun to imagine what's happening and how the artist felt! Now, let's go see some more amazing art!