Article of the Day

Teaching Activities for: ‘Meet Your Art Twin: A 400-Year-Old With an Oily Complexion’

CreditCreditBeverly Simmons

Before reading the article:

Have you heard about — or seen — the new Google Arts and Culture app? If so, what do you know?

Do you know anyone who has downloaded the app and matched their photo to an image from the world of art? Have you done it yourself? If so, what were the results?

Now, read the article, “Meet Your Art Twin: A 400-Year-Old With an Oily Complexion,” and answer the following questions:

1. What happened to Ross W. Duffin when he was wandering through a museum in Pasadena, Calif., with his wife last summer?

2. What are the details the article gives about the creation and popularity of the Google Arts and Culture app?

3. How are museums using the common visitor desire to take selfies alongside works of art, and why?

4. Why is the app restricted in some states? What do some critics say about the app, and why?

5. How and why does finding an art twin make people feel a deep connection to all that has come before us, according to the article?

Finally, tell us more about what you think:

If you have used the app, who is your art twin? Research the person or work of art you were matched with and tell us: What did you learn from the Google app that matched your photo to a work of art?

Why is the app so popular, in your view? What makes it fun and educational?

From a technology standpoint, is there anything else that could be done with the app, either to improve it or expand it? Let us know your ideas.