Educational and Developmental Psychology: Artistic Growth and Young Learners’ Responses to Old Master Paintings
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71145/rjsp.v3i3.326Keywords:
Artistic Cognitive Development, Classical Art in Education, Child Development through Art, Symbolic Learning and Interpretation, Creative Thinking in Early Education, Old Master Paintings in CurriculumAbstract
This study investigates the impact of Old Master paintings on young learners, particularly their reactions to the iconic works of Michelangelo. The research centred on the Sistine Chapel, painted between 1508 and 1512 during the High Renaissance. Learners of various ages were introduced to these masterpieces and then invited to create their own interpretations using oil pastels. The emphasis was not on replicating the technical prowess of Michelangelo but rather on developing creativity and imaginative expression. Through this hands-on approach, the study aimed to explore how early exposure to complex artworks can stimulate cognitive, psychological and artistic development, encouraging learners to engage deeply with art and history in a way that is both educational and personally meaningful.
