Viking Art History Lesson

Viking Art History Lesson explores the art, design, and craftsmanship of the Viking Age through engaging information, authentic historical artefacts, and visual examples. Students discover how Viking artists worked with wood, stone, metal, textiles, and other materials while exploring intricate animal designs, interlacing patterns, decorative objects, runestones, longships, and the role art played in Viking life.

Students are introduced to the major Viking art styles – Oseberg, Borre, Jelling, Mammen, Ringerike, and Urnes – and learn how Viking designs changed over time. The lesson encourages students to observe and compare authentic examples while learning about Viking artistic techniques, symbolism, color, craftsmanship, and the distinctive features that make Viking art recognizable.

The resource also includes two complete hands-on art projects that allow students to apply what they have learned. Students can design and assemble a 3D Viking Longship and create their own Viking Runestone, complete with Viking-inspired animal designs, patterns, and rune writing. Printable templates, project instructions, design options, and examples are included, making this a complete art history and creative learning experience.

Lesson Preview

Enjoyed this lesson? Subscribe on YouTube for art history lesson previews, project ideas, and new releases.

More Lessons You May Enjoy

If you’re interested in world cultures and traditional art, you might also enjoy these related lessons:

• Art of India Art History Lesson
• Japan Art History Lesson
• Art Around the World Bundle