close-up view of a colored sand mandala
Mandala of colored sand on wood; Close up of outermost series of concentric bands; outermost represents burial grounds with a landscape and animals; moving inward are a circle of flames, a circle of 'vajras' and a circle of lotus petals

Must-See Artworks at Mia

Self-Guided Group Activity

Many of these questions are designed to prompt close looking and critical thinking. Read each artwork’s label to find answers to fact-based questions.

Artwork not on view? Don’t worry: There are plenty of others to visit!

Featured Works

Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Scholars at the Lanting Pavillion

Jade carving of mountainous landscape that includes trees, people, and buildings.

China, Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Scholars at the Lanting Pavillion. Gallery 210

  • This jade sculpture tells a story. What appears to be going on? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What are some of your favorite details from the story?

Yamantaka Mandala

A sand mandala created by the Monks of the Gyuto Tantric University

Monks of the Gyuto Tantric University, Yamantaka Mandala. Gallery 255

  • Look closely. There’s a lot to see.
  • What first catches your attention? Why?
  • What appears to be going on? What do you see that makes you think that?
  • Mandalas are usually made with colored sand.
  • What material did the monks use to make this one?

Suit of Armor from the Kii Tokugawa Family

suit of armor displayed in a sitting position includes helmet with praying mantis forecrest, face mask, torso covering, pair of front shoulder medallions that attach to torso covering, pair of large upper arm guards, pair of small shoulder coverings, pair of gauntlets with arm and hand guards, apron, pair of leg guards, and pair of boot coverings

Japan, Suit of Armor from the Kii Tokugawa Family. Gallery 219

  • What’s your first reaction to this suit of armor?
  • Look closely at its craftsmanship. Notice how hundreds of lacquered metal and leather plates are laced together with cords.
  • Why might it have been made in this way?
  • What aspects communicate the power of its wearer?

The Doryphoros

Marble statue of a male figure with muscular definition set against a dark background.

Roman, The Doryphoros. Gallery 241

  • What do this man’s physical characteristics tell you about him? Look at both his head and body.
  • What artistic detail impresses you the most? Why?
  • What do you wonder about The Doryphoros?

Cartonnage of Lady Tashat

Decorated ancient Egyptian sarcophagus on a black background.

Cartonnage of Lady Tashat. Gallery 250

  • What does this artwork tell you about ancient Egyptian life? What does it tell you about ancient Egyptian art?
  • What hieroglyphs, if any, do you recognize?
  • What are some of the other pictures you see?
  • What do they tell you about Lady Tashat?

Shrine Head

Textured terracotta head sculpture on a dark wooden base.

Yoruba culture, Nigeria, Shrine Head. Gallery 250

  • Look closely at this sculpture from all angles.
  • What do you like most about this sculpture?
  • What do you wonder about?
  • Would you like to have your portrait made as a sculpture or as a painting? Why?

It’s a Delicate Balance

Symmetrical design of plants, insects, birds, and amphibians in bright colors.

Christi Belcourt (Canadian, Métis, born 1966), It’s a Delicate Balance, 2021, acrylic on canvas. © Christi Belcourt. Gallery 259

  • What do you see?
  • How does this painting make you feel?
  • What does this remind you of?
  • If you stepped into this painting, what sounds might you hear? What do you see that makes you say that?

Baboon and Young

sculpture of a baboon holding its baby

Pablo Picasso, Baboon and Young. Gallery 378

  • What everyday objects do you see in this sculpture?
  • If you were to make a sculpture with objects in your home or school, what would you use?
  • Why do you suppose Picasso chose these objects? What does the sculpture tell you about him?

Tatra T87 Four-Door Sedan

Photo of a silver card from the 1930s

Hans Ledwinka, Tatra T87 four-door sedan. Gallery 379

  • Why do you suppose this car is in the galleries?
  • What about it would you consider artistic?
  •  What car do you think you’ll see in a museum 75 years from now?

Olive Trees

Impressionist painting of a grove of olive trees against a backdrop of blue mountains and a yellow sky

Vincent van Gogh, Olive Trees. Gallery 355

  • What do you notice first in this painting?
  • Do you think the sun is rising or setting? Why?
  • How does this painting make you feel? What do you see that makes you say that?
  • How would you describe this painting to a friend?

The Veiled Lady

Marble bust of a woman with a delicate veil draped over her face, obscuring her features. The sculpture is crafted with intricate detail, capturing the soft folds of the veil, which cling closely to the contours of her face.

Raffaelo Monti, The Veiled Lady. Gallery 357

  • At first glance, what material does this bust appear to be made of?
  • What do you see that makes you say that?
  • What type of emotion do you think this woman is expressing? Why?