This resource has been designed as an introduction to portraiture for school groups. Primary and post-primary teachers can use it as a starting point for lesson plans or supporting material to accompany a visit to the Gallery. It will help to develop and consolidate pupils' visual literacy and critical thinking skills, fostering a curiosity in self-representation and identity. 

The first pdf resource explores portraits in the context of the Zurich Portrait Prize exhibition that took place in the Crawford Art Gallery in 2020. It examines what exactly a portrait is and how to better understand or ‘read’ portraits.

The second pdf resource looks closely at a range of portraits to create a series of case studies. These include works from the gallery collection and young Zurich Portrait Prize winners, from the contemporary to art historical. Each artwork is accompanied by a series of classroom prompts and suggestions for further exploration.

Click on the download links below to open the guides in a new window.
1.) Zurich Portrait Prize exhibition & what is a portrait? (PDF)
2.) Portrait Case Studies (PDF)
3.) Portrait Case Studies (Irish language version. PDF)

Further information contact:
Anne or Emma+353 (0)21 490 7857 / 490 7862
emmaklemencic@crawfordartgallery.ie