Classical-Revolution
This work is a oil painting from the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. The name of the piece is The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, 17 June, 1775. The artist of the painting was John Trumbull. Trumbull was both a artist and a patriot. He was in the Army at the time and watched the battle from a distance (mfa.org). Congress commissioned John Trumbull to make painting for the U.S Capitol unfortunately this work was not chosen (mfa.org). The subject manner is a reflection of the time, being that it was painted after the revolutionary war but based on real events. The sharp lines gives detail to the subjects and the use of brighter colors on the main people in the painting draw your attention to them. From an Americans standpoint this would be a sad painting emotionally being that the General was killed. But from a British view this might bring a more promising view and hope of victory. For the historical value I would own a copy since I love history. I would expect to see this work in a history museum.
Portrait of George Washington by Charles Wilson Peale. The portrait was from 1779-1781 and this one is from the Metropolitan museum of Art in New York City. Peale was part of the militia and served in the battles the this would have been painted to represent (Driscoll, 2017). This was painted during the American Revolution and the painter, having served with Washington, would have seen him more then other artist of the time (Driscoll, 2017). The clean lines and the brighter colors of the main person is some aspects from the time frame. The emotion of the painting I think is of confidence. The what looks like almost a smile suggests confidence. Also the colonial horse, flag and solider standing confidently behind him to one side and British soldiers fleeing in the back might imply an victory in the battles. Like people of the time I would like a replica. I think I have seen a copy of this at Mt. Vernon which was Washington's home.
Staying on the theme of Revolution and the Art I decided to go with Napoleon and the French revolution for my last work. The title of the work in Napoleon crossing the Alps and was done from 1800-1801. The work was painted by Jacques-Louis David who did several paintings on Napoleon. This painting was commissioned by King Charles the IV of Spain and was to be hung in the Royal Palace in Madrid with other great military leaders (Pollitt, 2016). Not much emotion one way or the other although I do fell sorry for the solders walking in the background up the mountain. Some of the lines are the angles of the scarf he is wearing which draws the focus to him and way he points at the summit meaning come follow me (Pollitt,2016). The colors really makes the viewer focus on Napoleon and dressed in his best military dress for the upcoming battle.
Works citied:
Driscoll, Curtis. 2017. reenact magazine.
Pollitt, Ben, "Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps," in Smarthistory, January 7, 2016 https://smarthistory.org/jacques-louis-david-napoleon-crossing-the-alps/
Museum o Fine Art-Boston
Hello Rhett,
ReplyDeleteI like the art that you shared in your blog. I liked the first painting, The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill. I liked how John Trumbull used color to make his painting more dramatic. Not only did he make the clouds dark and stormy, but he also made the ground dark with shadows, so that we would feel sad since the general just died. I like that the painter had sunlight shining on the general, and the surrounding area so that we would be drawn to look at him.
I liked the portrait of George Washington, by Charles Wilson Peale, that you posted in your blog. I like the painting because it has so many different things incorporated into it, which are used to suggest different feelings. Peale used dark clouds in the background, to give us a sorrowful feeling for the soldiers who laid down their lives, and who got hurt under the direction of George Washington so that the United States could gain independence. George Washington is also depicted to have a military sash across his chest, which is really just a thick line, used to portray strength since he was able to defeat the British with his armies.
I also liked the last painting that you shared in your blog, with Napoleon on his horse, up on a big mountain. Jacques-Louis David did a good job on this painting, where he used jagged lines for the mountains, and the nearby rocks, to suggest turmoil since the army is hauling big, heavy cannons up the mountain, even though it is windy, and even though there appears to be a little bit of snow.
I liked how you shared a number of paintings that all had to do with different portions of a revolution. The first painting allowed us to see that there is death in a revolution, while the third painting helped us to see that there are the hardships of having to transport an army over mountains at times during cold, windy days. The second painting that you posted helps us to see though, that revolutions can end up being good and successful if you fight hard enough.
Very interesting painting choices! I very much enjoyed how you went in depth as to why each painting was made and the purpose they served! I would have loved to see you discuss more of the artistic influences of the time and how these paintings may fit into larger genres of their era. Good work!
ReplyDeleteThese are very cool paintings Rhett! I had really enjoyed looking at all of the pieces that you had chose, but Napoleon crossing the Alps had really intrigued me. I thought that the artists work of the horse was insane theres so much detail in the piece which makes it look very life-like to me. Thanks for sharing!
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