At the beginning of class, post several color copies of each pairing side-by-side around the room to facilitate easy access.  As an alternative, post the paired paintings side-by-side on the Smart board and then have students approach the board in small groups to explore each painting.

Have students determine the mood of each painting and then, using a Venn Diagram or other comparative organizer, have students compare and contrast the various details each painter employs to develop this mood.

Once students have completed their comparison, students should reflect on how artists use specific details to shape the viewer's perception of a text.

Exit reflection: how can students transfer this "close reading" skill for visual art to a close-reading for written texts? How does a careful exploration of small details help facilitate understanding?