On Nov. 24, 2025, Ms. Man’s third- and eighth-period A.P. Art History classes were assigned an interesting project: a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Students were instructed to find and analyze two different artworks from two different cultures that address a theme in historical art. One of the artworks must be from an Ancient art exhibit, while the other may be from any other time period. The assignment included an observational sketch of the art at the end.
Scouring the heavily decorated halls and investigating ancient artworks, students had to skillfully pick two artworks with cross-cultural connections, finding links between time and space. Delving into historical eras, each doorway acting as a portal into another time period.
Some students chose famous artworks and architectural pieces, such as “Marble Statue of a Kouros” or “King Menkaure and Queen,” while others chose lesser-known pieces such as “Eve After the Fall.” Many students chose sculptures which use materials such as marble and bronze, while others opted for paintings made up of tempera or oil on canvas.
Continuing on their journey through this massive building, many students pass by the food hall for a quick bite to eat.
“The food hall had very few options, and the security guards were super strict about not taking the food outside of the designated eating areas, but the food I got was delicious so I don’t mind,” sophomore Brooke Bullaro said.
After grabbing a bite to eat, many students passed by Dwight Deworgé, also known as the “Man of the Met.” A talented artist who began drawing as a toddler, attending the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Louis, MO., and began his career in making art in the Met in 1995. Deworgé sits in the Met daily, using simple materials to create drawn versions of historical pieces throughout the Met.
“His artwork is incredibly impressive, and the dedication put into every piece is astonishing,” sophomore Isaac Bakhchi said.
“The most fulfilling part is socializing with the masters who have created these incredible sculptures,” Deworgé said. “They are not living anymore, but they are here in spirit, and I feel as though I am socializing with them.”
Deworgé feels incredibly connected to his art, as he has been working in this field for over three decades. Drawing with precision, Deworgé will often spend multiple days on an incredibly detailed piece, which is then sold to passersby.
“Every artwork I have drawn has inspired me in one way or another–might’ve been the composition, the meticulous carving itself or a theme, and I will sit and draw the piece,” Deworgé said.
Deworgé has many fans, growing relationships with many New Yorkers who frequent the Met and Met staff alike.
Further into their journey of the Met, students began to wrap up on their journey, and those who hadn’t decided their artworks beforehand picked out their favorites. As is mandatory per the assignment, students attempted to take the most aesthetically pleasing photos of their chosen artworks.
On their way home, many students visited nearby architectural monuments such as the New York Public Library’s main branch building, the Woolworth building, the Empire State Building or St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Students then made their way to either Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal, where groups or individuals made their way home to begin their essays.
Students took home with them not only homework, but a new lens on historical artwork in person, with the ability to view historically significant pieces from mere inches away.
