Summary
Mati and her magical sidekick Dada travel back in time to meet Andrea Mantegna and discover paintings with such realistic depth they trick the eye. Together they explore his ceilings that seem to open to the sky and learn about Italy in the 1400s. A gentle, funny introduction to a great artist for young viewers.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Watch how Mati and Dada meet Andrea Mantegna, then talk it over:
- What kind of art did Andrea Mantegna make, and what made it stand out?
- What did you notice about Andrea Mantegna's style — the colors, shapes, or lines they used?
- How did living in Italy in the 1400s shape the art Andrea Mantegna made?
- Which work by Andrea Mantegna would you most want to see in real life? Why?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: Renaissance, perspective, illusion
Try it: draw a ceiling or floor that looks like it goes way up or far back using perspective. Then share one choice you made that Andrea Mantegna might have liked.