Vecellio's book is written in Italian, but it contains woodcut illustrations of various figures from around the world. The bulk of the illustrations show the people of Italy, particularly those from Rome and Venice, as these were the people who surrounded Vecellio.
De Gli Habiti Antichi, et Moderni, by Cesare Vecellio. Venice: 1589. GT 509 44.
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Title Page
Moro di conditione.
Africana.
More de Barbaria.
Teacher Ideas
Jill Karnop / Charles M. Russell High School, Great Falls, MT / English
Ask students to describe, in a brief (5-8 sentence) paragraph, their mental picture of Othello based on what they have heard about him so far in the play. Ask them to be realistic in this, perhaps even considering casting a current actor to play him. Then, have students form groups of 3-4 and have them discuss impressions from their paragraphs. Distribute and discuss the Vecellio version of Othello. Have the groups continue their discussion to compare and contrast this illustration with their ideas and to consider the stereotypes it perpetuates. Each group should prepare two ideas to share with the class. Continue the discussion with the whole class to draw out how Othello's appearance is significant to understanding the conflicts of the play.
Elisa Garcia / Cheyenne Traditional, Scottsdale, AZ / English
Give students a copy of the image "Well-to-do Moor," and ask them to complete a KWL chart, showing what the students Know, what they Want to know, and what they've Learned by the end of the lesson. Ask students to complete the K and W sections of the chart. Then, provide students with secondary source information to flesh out their knowledge about the history, contributions, and other relevant details of the Moors. After the lesson, have them fill in the L section of the chart.
Damian Bariexca / Hunterdon Central Regional High School, Flemington, NJ / English
After introducing the topic with an activity, such as either of those detailed above, extend the learning to a short research project. Assign students 1-3 characters. Based on both external sources and the text of the play, students will research clothings, props, make up, and physical qualities. This research will be applied with critical thinking as students need to make choices about colors, textures, designs, physical features, expression, and props which best symbolize key elements of characterization and action. The completed costuming should be submitted with justification for choices articulated in a short paper.
