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American Art Project

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American Art Project
Part One:

Baptism of Pocahontas
Artist: John Gadsby Chapman
John Gadsby Chapman created a masterpiece that showed the Baptism of Pocahontas which was commissioned in 1837 and officially hung in 1840. This is a significant piece of art that gives a glimpse of what it might have looked or felt like for the American Indians at that time. American Indians entering into the Christian faith symbolizes the change that America was rapidly going through, but also the “take-over” by American Settlers. This was the period of time when American settlers and American Indians had strained relations and by this time they were being forced off of their land. I believe this was another way for the Americans to show their strong beliefs in Christianity; and furthermore strengthening their support among the Indians by using a popular Native face in the painting. I believe that a wide range of emotions were presented in this picture; from confusion, to anger, happiness, and maybe some who just felt indifferent or intrigued by it all. Gadsby also did a very good job at showing a softer side to Pocahontas and portraying her in a more feminine way, contrary to how she had been portrayed many times before as a heroic icon.

Declaration of Independence
Artist: John Trumbull

The Declaration of Independence as shown in this painting is a phenomenal piece of art work that was commissioned in 1817 and hung in 1818. This painting depicts the seriousness of the matter by portraying the men has all having very serious faces. Despite the painting depicting an inaccurate account, Trumbull was able to make it look and feel very real. His goals for this painting was to capture and preserve the image of our Nation’s Founding Fathers. This painting took place several years after the actual drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is likely the motivation behind this piece of art. Critics often criticize the artist for his historical inaccuracy, but from an artistic stand-point, Trumbull created a lasting memory that has a story behind it; whether all of the facts were captured fully in this painting is irrelevant. He did a mediocre job at getting the historical facts and details, but as an artist everyone has their own vision and I believe Trumbull created it this way for a reason. The document that is represented in this portrait is the only thing that holds full historical accuracy and I think this picture is just a small visualization to see how it might have come to being.

Landing of Columbus
Artist: John Vanderlyn The Landing of Columbus is a portrait created by John Vanderlyn that was commissioned 1846, and hung in 1847. This is a major historical event and the painting shows a group of settlers with a look of victory on their faces. It portrays the settlers as thankful and rejoicing in victory, after such a long voyage. Vanderlyn did an excellent job at capturing the joyous moment of the settlers landing and it shows a sense of family and team work. Columbus looks to be looking to the Heavens, maybe thanking God for a safe voyage and I believe that is an important message the painter was able to capture. The men have looks on their faces of excitement for the new adventure of claiming this new land. This painting was very well done and the message of this historical event was certainly captured. Embarkation of the Pilgrims Artist: Robert W. Weir The Embarkation of the Pilgrims is a painting by Robert W. Weir commissioned in 1836 and hung in 1843. This captures the moment of prayer before the Pilgrims took off on a voyage to the New World. Weir captured this portrait in the most beautiful way by adding subtle details such as the rainbow and the “God with Us” written at the corner of the sail. There is so much symbolism depicted in this painting such as, the importance of family, women, and children; and the importance of God as well. This artwork certainly communicated the message clearly and gives insight into what type of people the Pilgrims were; devout puritans and true believers.
Part Two:
Robert E. Lee State Represented: Virginia Robert E. Lee was appointed commander, of the Army of Northern Virginia, by President Jefferson Davis on April 1, 1862. In 1909 the Robert E. Lee statue was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection, by Virginia. Virginia was the birth place for Lee and he went on to raise his entire family there. Robert E. Lee was born into a prominent family Stratford VA, but later resided in Alexandria VA with his family. The most significant event surrounding the life of Robert E. Lee was his surrender to Ulysses S. Grant on, April 9, 1865. Antietam was a battle in which, more than 14,000 of his men would wounded, killed, or missing trying to cross the Potomac. The Battle of Gettysburg was a significant turn in the war after Lee nearly lost all of his men, but because of his actions the war turned around in favor of the Union. Lee was also elected president of Washington College, now known as Washington and Lee College. Robert E. Lee is the perfect person to represent my state because he played such a huge role in the Civil War, which ultimately made Virginia what it is today. George Washington State Represented: Virginia George Washington is a very significant person in American history, and I am honored that his statue is located in my state. George Washington is best known as the first ever, elected President of the United States. The statue of George Washington was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection in 1934 by Virginia. Prior, to becoming the first President of the United States, George Washington was a commander for the Continental Army. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732, and lived most of his life in Mount Vernon. In July of 1754, George Washington was forced to surrender Fort Necessity, and made himself notable in Braddock’s defeat in July 1755.George Washington was a big supporter of the Independence movement and subsequently, elected as delegate in the first and second continental congresses. He also presided over the constitutional convention in 1787. I think George Washington is the perfect figure to represent Virginia because he was the first President of the United States, but also because Virginia was his home. His significance in Virginia history is profound, but most importantly the impact he had on America.

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