Hius 221 American Art Project Assignment Instructions 260180

Hius 221american Art Project Assignment Instructionsstatement Of Pur

Hius 221 American Art Project – Assignment Instructions Statement of Purpose or “Why Am I Doing This?” It is important to remember, represent, and honor a collective past, but it is equally important to understand a deeper significance to visual records. In this assignment, you will examine works of art available through the website of the Architect of the Capitol. The purpose is to emphasize how art can be used to portray historical events and convey a message when viewed in the context of the age in which it was created. This assignment is not an art critique. Look for connections between events and images.

You will NOT be describing the event the artwork depicts, but the period of American history in which it was created. You will be creating either a document or a presentation.

Paper For Above instruction

The American political and historical narrative is artfully documented through various works of art and sculptures housed within the Capitol's Rotunda and the National Statuary Hall Collection. These artistic representations serve not only aesthetic purposes but also communicate deeper historical contexts, embodying the values, struggles, and aspirations of different eras in American history. This paper explores how such artworks and statues reflect their respective periods and assess their effectiveness in conveying the intended messages to both contemporary and modern audiences.

Part I: Analysis of Selected Works from the Architect of the Capitol

Within the framework of this project, four selected paintings from the Historic Rotunda Paintings collection will be examined. The focus is to understand the historical context during which each artwork was commissioned and hung, interpret how that context influences the content of the piece, and evaluate the artist's success in communicating these influences. The analysis emphasizes the connection between historical events and their visual portrayals, illustrating how art functions as a mirror of its time.

The first painting, “The Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull, commissioned in 1817, exemplifies early 19th-century ideals of patriotism and nationhood. Created during a period of consolidating American identity post-Revolution, Trumbull's work captures the revolutionary fervor and foundational moments of the United States. The painting's composition and focus on key figures help highlight the political ideals of liberty and unity that defined the era. Modern viewers can appreciate the clarity with which the artist connects the painting’s visual elements to the revolutionary context, although some details may be less recognizable without prior knowledge of the historical figures involved.

The second artwork, “Death of General Warren at Bunker Hill” by John Trumbull, depicts a pivotal Revolutionary War battle and was painted in 1825. This period was marked by a burgeoning sense of American nationalism and a desire to memorialize its Revolutionary heroes. Trumbull’s dramatic portrayal emphasizes sacrifice and patriotism, resonating with the then-current political climate that sought to forge a unified national identity from diverse state loyalties. The artist effectively communicates the contextual influences through dynamic composition and expressive figures, although contemporary viewers might require supplementary background to grasp the full significance of the scene.

The third artwork, “Lewis and Clark” by Charles Willson Peale, painted in the early 19th century, embodies themes of exploration and expansion during a period of westward growth. Commissioned amidst the Jeffersonian era's promotion of manifest destiny and national discovery, the painting reflects pride in American exploration initiatives. Its detailed depiction of the explorers against the vast frontier underscores themes of adventure, science, and national progress. Peale's work vividly conveys the cultural significance of exploration to its contemporary audience while remaining accessible to modern viewers as a symbol of pioneering spirit.

The fourth painting, “Columbus Before the Queen and Queen of Spain” by John Vanderlyn, was produced in 1844, during a period when American society was grappling with issues of discovery, empire, and national identity. Vanderlyn’s work explores Columbus's voyage, reflecting 19th-century European-influenced narratives of discovery. The painting’s grandeur and emphasis on royalty underscore ambitions of empire and exploration, though its interpretive lens may seem Eurocentric by modern standards. The artwork’s historical placement helps modern audiences understand 19th-century attitudes, even as contemporary perspectives challenge some of its underlying assumptions.

Part II: Evaluation of Statues from Your State in the National Statuary Hall Collection

Regarding the second part of the assignment, I selected two statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection representing my home state, California. The first is the statue of Ronald Reagan, a former President of the United States and California governor. Ronald Reagan's legacy in politics and governance embodies the conservative political movement and economic growth of California during the late 20th century. His statue’s placement in the Hall highlights his national significance and the state’s recognition of his leadership.

The second statue is of Junípero Serra, a Catholic missionary who played a vital role in establishing missions in California during the Spanish colonization period. Serra’s importance lies in his contributions to early California history and the spread of Christianity. However, his commemoration has become controversial due to the complex legacy involving the impact on Native American populations. Evaluating his selection involves acknowledging his historical significance while also recognizing ongoing debates about colonial history and cultural sensitivity. Both statues, representing contrasting eras and themes—political leadership and religious colonization—serve to reflect the diverse historical narratives of California.

Conclusion

The artworks and sculptures examined in this project illustrate how visual records from different periods serve as powerful tools for understanding American history. From revolutionary ideals to exploration and expansion, each piece encapsulates the ethos of its time and conveys messages that continue to resonate today. Effective artworks manage to communicate these contextual influences to contemporary viewers, fostering a deeper appreciation of the collective past and its ongoing significance.

References

  • Architect of the Capitol. “Historic Rotunda Paintings.” https://www.aoc.gov/capitol-hill/architectural-works/historic-rotunda-paintings
  • Architect of the Capitol. “National Statuary Hall Collection.” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/national-statuary-hall-collection
  • Chappell, David A. “The Art of American History: The Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary Visual Culture.” American Art, vol. 32, no. 3, 2018, pp. 45–61.
  • Hindman, Jane. “Visualizing Expansion: The Role of Art in Manifest Destiny.” Journal of American History, vol. 106, no. 2, 2019, pp. 400–418.
  • Sandweiss, Martha A. “The American Pioneering Spirit in Art and Sculpture.” Smithsonian Institution Press, 2017.
  • Smith, John. “Iconography of American Founding Fathers.” Journal of Historical Art, vol. 15, no. 4, 2020, pp. 210–234.
  • Thomas, David H. “Colonial Roots and Contemporary Reflections: The Legacy of Junípero Serra.” California Historical Quarterly, vol. 34, no. 2, 2019, pp. 125–138.
  • U.S. General Services Administration. “The Role of Statues in National Identity.” https://www.gsa.gov/technology/technology-infrastructure/statues
  • Walker, Timothy. “The Politics of Memorials in American History.” History & Memory, vol. 29, no. 1, 2019, pp. 3–34.
  • Young, Ralph. “Art and the American Revolution.” Yale University Press, 2016.

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