This learning collection features selected objects, images, prints, paintings, and photographs from the University of Michigan Museum of Art’s collection designed to support educators in the history and social studies classroom. The “American History Abridged” provides highlighted objects and images from United States history, while the other collections feature specialized objects based on specific historical periods. When possible, the distinct historical learning collections include artwork created only during that era rather than works created later the depict earlier events. Some collections also contain contemporary works of art from artists like Kara Walker or Glenn Ligon that incorporate historical themes, subjects, and methodology in their work.
Jean-Michel Basquiat A Lie colored crayons on paper 24 in x 18 in (60.96 cm x 45.72 cm);24 in x 18 in (60.96 cm x 45.72 cm);28 in x 23 in (71.12 cm x 58.42 cm) Gift of Arthur Cohen in honor of Ben and Yetta Cohen
Gerrit A. Beneker The Past is Behind Us, The Future is Ahead. Let Us All Strive to Make the Future Better and Brighter than the Past Ever Was. color lithograph on paper 19 15/16 x 15 in. (50.5 x 38 cm) Gift of Mr. Maurice F. Lyons
David Levinthal Planning the Escape photogravure on paper 17 11/16 in x 20 7/8 in (44.93 cm x 53.02 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
David Levinthal Bidding Farewell photogravure on paper 17 11/16 in x 20 7/8 in (44.93 cm x 53.02 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
David Levinthal Crossing the River photogravure on paper 17 11/16 in x 20 7/8 in (44.93 cm x 53.02 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Margaret Watson Parker Art Collection Fund
Jacob Lawrence New York in Transit II screenprint on paper 12 ⅛ in x 36 ¼ in (30.8 cm x 92.07 cm);25 ⅝ in x 48 ⅝ in x 1 ⅝ in (65.09 cm x 123.51 cm x 4.13 cm) Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
José Guadalupe Posada Calavera de la Catrina relief etching on paper 4 5/16 in x 6 1/8 in (10.95 cm x 15.56 cm);4 5/16 in x 6 1/8 in (10.95 cm x 15.56 cm);12 13/16 in x 9 7/16 in (32.54 cm x 23.97 cm);19 3/8 in x 14 3/8 in (49.21 cm x 36.51 cm) Museum Purchase
Kara Walker One of five prints from the suite "The Means to an End--A Shadow Drama in Five Acts" aquatint and etching on light cream Somerset Satin wove paper 34 7/8 x 23 3/8 in. (88.5 x 59.3 cm);40 x 28 x 1 in. (101.6 x 71.12 x 2.54 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Jean Paul Slusser Memorial Fund
Kara Walker One of five prints from the suite "The Means to an End--A Shadow Drama in Five Acts" aquatint and etching on light cream Somerset Satin wove paper 34 13/16 x 23 3/8 in. (88.4 x 59.3 cm);40 x 27 1/2 x 1 in. (101.6 x 69.85 x 2.54 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Jean Paul Slusser Memorial Fund
Kara Walker One of five prints from the suite "The Means to an End--A Shadow Drama in Five Acts" aquatint and etching on light cream Somerset Satin wove paper 34 11/16 x 23 1/4 in. (88 x 59 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Jean Paul Slusser Memorial Fund
Kara Walker One of five prints from the suite "The Means to an End--A Shadow Drama in Five Acts" aquatint and etching on light cream Somerset Satin wove paper 34 3/4 x 23 5/16 in. (88.2 x 59.2 cm) Museum purchase made possible by the Jean Paul Slusser Memorial Fund