Villa Britannia, Belgium

My name is Isabella, and I'll be your guide today! We're going to look at a really cool painting called "Villa Britannia, Belgium." It's like stepping back in time! nn (Pause for children to look at the painting.) nn This painting is HUGE! It's so big, it's like a whole window into the past. See this lady sitting here? She's the star of the show! What do you think she's doing? (Pause for answers). That's right, she's reading a book! She looks very peaceful, doesn't she? She's sitting on a veranda, which is like a porch outside a house. Can you imagine sitting there and reading a book? nn

(Pause for children to consider the scene.) nn Look at her dress! It's dark, almost black. What color is the chair she's sitting on? (Pause for answers). Yes, it's light colored wood! The artist used lots of greens and browns in the painting. What do you see outside? (Pause for answers). Lots of trees and a long road! It looks very peaceful and quiet, doesn't it? It's like a secret garden. nn

(Pause for children to observe the details.) nn The artist was very clever with light and shadows. See how the light makes some parts of the painting brighter and others darker? This makes the painting look real, like a photograph! The light makes it look like it might be morning or evening. What time of day do you think it is? (Pause for answers). nn

(Pause for children to consider the time of day.) nn This painting shows us what life was like a long, long time ago in Belgium. It shows a peaceful place, a quiet moment. The lady reading her book makes us think about quiet time and reading. What do you like to read? (Pause for answers). nn

(Pause for children to share their thoughts.) nn So, "Villa Britannia, Belgium" isn't just a pretty picture. It's a story about a quiet moment, a peaceful place, and a lady enjoying her book. It makes us think about quiet times and the beauty of nature. What did you like best about this painting? (Pause for answers). I'm so glad you came to see it with me today! Now, let's go see some more amazing art!