Classical Blog Exhibit

 By: Cooper Irinaga

Classical art deeply influenced how the American Revolution was portrayed. The first creations of the American Revolution started in the late 1700s. The Revolution art is very important because the artworks are among the best sources that convey the events that took place during the war and what it looked like. We also get to understand how important these works are through the eyes of the artists, experiencing these events firsthand. 

“Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunkers Hill, 17 June 1775”, c. 1786 John Trumbull

The American Revolution was a truly grand period of time in American history. Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunkers Hill (1775), created by John Trumbull is an art piece that depicts the greatest standoffs in history between the British and the American Colonists, showing the Americans winning their freedom from tyranny from Britain. This art piece was created in the Colonial Army Camp at Roxbury, Massachusetts. This artwork heavily relates to the American Revolution because it clearly depicts the events that took place during the Revolutionary War. John Trumbull had studied in the London studio of Benjamin West and was influenced by British Painting. Being influenced by British Painting we see “Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunkers Hill” created with a Neoclassical style. The painting shows themes of self-sacrifice, heroism, and patriotism. In the art piece, we see very dark clouds in the upper right background but a very light tone in the center representing the bias of good and evil shown in the painting. 

Something I really value from this artwork is the attention to detail in Warrens's body, it shows the intensity and emotion of what is happening in the center of the war. Another aspect of this piece that is interesting is the portrayal of the flags in the crowds of people, this could possibly represent two ideals clashing and two sides of patriotism butting heads. 

“The Lansdowne Portrait” c. 1796 Gilbert Stuart

The Lansdowne Portrait was commissioned in 1796 and later signed and dated “Philidelphia 13 July 1797. The painting was created in Washington D.C. The Lansdowne Portrait is one of the most memorable portraits showing President George Washington in a setting displaying symbolism of American and Roman design. The Roman engravings seen on the table and chair truly portray the Roman ideals of confidence and competence, a theme commonly seen in Neoclassical art. A Neoclassical style is shown in this painting with Washington whose hand is open, reflecting his inclusiveness but still commanding portraying confidence. Courage and patriotism play a very big role in Neoclassical art. This painting heavily correlates with the American Revolution as well. Washington holds a decorative sword that symbolizes a democratic form of government rather than an orthodox battle sword that symbolizes monarchy and military leadership. As seen in the image, aspects of the American flag are shown on the top of the chair on the right. A fascinating representation of the Revolutionary War is through the clouds in the left window which represents the presence of British tyranny and the fight for freedom. On the right window sill, there is a symbolic rainbow representing war changing to peace in the united states after the signing of the 1783 Treaty of Paris which brought a new era of freedom. 

An aspect of this artwork that really grabs my attention is George Washington’s skin tone, it is extremely realistic and looks like he is frozen in time. The attention to detail on his eyes and lips is what also makes him look so remarkable. I also find his outfit quite aesthetically pleasing, it is extremely simple yet very luxurious. I think Washington’s outfit portrays him not as a monarch but as a president who is confident but open. 

“General Elliot and his Officers observing the destruction of the Floating Batteries” Gibraltar, 14 September 1782

The image of General Elliot and his Officers observing the destruction of the Floating Batteries was created in 1874 in the area of Gibraltar. This painting is extremely realistic, showing Spain entering the American War of Independence and being able to defend off against the Spanish troops. The Revolutionary War is deeply related to this artwork, this skirmish was a very important part of the Revolutionary War which encases a turn of events, the British succeed in blowing up the Spanish batteries, causing two to explode. We see a lot of Neoclassical aspects seen in this piece of art, General Elliot and his Officers standing quite confidently looking out over all the chaos engulfing the sea as well as the well-composed linear perspective creating amazing depth within this image. 

Something that really captured my attention is smoke and explosions proceeding in the background. It genuinely appears that this image was taken as a photo and that everything that we are seeing was a true representation of the event. I also really enjoyed the characters in the fortress acting very intensively, portraying how magnificent this battle truly was. 

Sources:

“Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunkers Hill, 17 June 1775”, c. 1786 John Trumbull

Trumbull, John. “The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775, 1786 - John Trumbull.” Www.wikiart.org, 1 Jan. 1786, https://www.wikiart.org/en/john-trumbull/the-death-of-general-warren-at-the-battle-of-bunker-s-hill-june-17-1775-1786

“The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 July 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_General_Warren_at_the_Battle_of_Bunker%27s_Hill,_June_17,_1775

“The Lansdowne Portrait” c. 1796 Gilbert Stuart

Barratt, Carrie Rebora. “Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828): Essay: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.” The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, 1 Jan. 1AD, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/stua/hd_stua.htm

“George Washington a National Treasure.” The Portrait - George Washington: A National Treasure, https://www.georgewashington.si.edu/portrait/non-flash.html

“General Elliot and his Officers observing the destruction of the Floating Batteries” Gibraltar, 14 September 1782

“Online Collection.” General Eliott Observing the Destruction of the Floating Batteries, Gibraltar, 1782 | Online Collection | National Army Museum, London, https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1996-07-107-1

“Ten Great Revolutionary War Paintings, 1775-1790.” The American Revolution Institute, 10 Dec. 2020, https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/treasures-of-the-american-revolution/revolutionary-war-paintings/.