During the 1700s both the French and English countries went through revolutions. The drastic changes made during this period greatly influenced the art being produced at the time. Artistically and commercially, America was isolated for a long period due to the Revolution. There was little artwork created as the battles raged, and artists left to study abroad. Once Independence from Britain came, America, as a new country with a young generation, became very patriotic and their art demonstrated it.
Many paintings, illustrations, and other art reflected victorious battle scenes, and the building of a new, determined country. In addition to printed art, the patriotism flowed through the streets, as well as inside homes with flags, bald eagles, and national seals being proudly displayed (Met Museum). Neoclassical designs also started to make an appearance in architecture, giving rise to the "antique" cabinetry we still see in America today (Met Museum). The three pieces of art I've chosen for this blog are related to the American Revolution, specifically in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania areas where many of the historical events took place.
Penn's Treaty with the Indians, Benjamin West 1771-72.
Penn's Treaty, sometimes known as the Treaty of Shackamaxon was signed in 1682. This was a treaty between William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, and Tamanend of the Lenape tribe (History101). William Penn was a Quaker who wanted to settle on native land but still treat them respectfully and share the land use. This idea soon faded as colonists became greedy and ownership of land was a very divided topic. The role of Native Americans was crucial to the colonies and even changed the way wars were fought, as the Native Americans taught the colonists new tactics in small battles. A fact I found surprising was that most of the Native Americans that chose to participate in the revolution, fought on the side of the Crown (Battlefields). The British wanted to restrict land settlements, while settlers wanted to continue to expand, encroaching on Native Territories.
This piece by Benjamin West shows a peaceful scene along the Delaware River, with discussions between Penn and the Lenape. In the background, you can see new settlements being constructed, as well as teepee-like structures to the right, suggesting the sharing of land and harmonious coexistence. The colonists are seen presenting gifts of fabric, while the natives have laid their weapons down. There are several characters in the painting with open arms, also suggesting a welcoming feel. While I do enjoy the warmness of this piece, I do not think I would own it.
The painting was commissioned by Thomas Penn, the son of William Penn. West was also a Quaker and used a neoclassical style for this piece to suggest harmony (Pafa). West was born in Pennsylvania but eventually moved to London where he was appointed official history painter by King George III. Benjamin West never returned to the colonies, but he claimed he learned color mixing from the Native Americans which I find very interesting.
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Vue de la Nouvelle Yorck, Balthasar Friedrich Leizelt, 1775
The German artist Balthasar Friedrich Leizelt created this engraving of New York Harbor in 1775. I felt this is an important piece of art for the period as it shows merchants and trade ships in the harbor which were responsible for a very large portion of the goods coming to the colonies. In August of 1776, British forces invaded Manhattan Island and defeated George Washington's troops. This led to the British occupying New York City for seven years (Mount Vernon).
I have found several renditions of this artwork, with varying color combinations which I can only assume is due to it being printed by different presses. Red seems to be a very prominent color in all of them however, I have been unsuccessful in finding the reasoning behind this since the scene was before the invasion of the British. Perhaps it was simply used to draw attention to multiple points of view as it has been used throughout the history of art, though this is just a guess.
The scene shows a busy harbor, alive with men and women in rowboats, construction on a large trade ship, and even horses loading goods. This was a very important port to control during the war, as it was one of the largest ports in the colonies. New York City became the central base for British troops during the revolution, which led to thousands of soldiers and Loyalists flooding the city. Unfortunately, this ultimately led to overcrowding and hunger, causing British forces to house captured rebels in prison ships in the harbor (Bowery Boys History).
Since this work of art was created before the invasion, it does not elicit feelings of overcrowding and hunger, but instead shows how New York City was thriving with commerce in the early 1700s. It is inspiring as it shows men hard at work, building up a great city. I would not own a copy of this piece, but since it is an engraving and not a painting, I would very much like to see it in person in a museum in New York,
Another Pennsylvania artist, Charles Wilson Peale created this painting for the State of Pennsylvania to commemorate the victories of the Continental Army in New Jersey. The Battles of Princeton and Trenton were turning points in the war (Reenact Mag). George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River on Christmas 1776. They defeated British troops at Trenton the following day, then a week later on January 3rd won the Battle of Princeton (History). These battles were in response to the British force's attack in Manhattan in November 1776, taking 2,000 Continental soldiers prisoner. The battles were a great accomplishment, showing Washington could unite soldiers from different colonies to fight the war (History).
The State of Pennsylvania commissioned this piece, thinking it would inspire young men to "do what is right for the nation" and prompt positive social change (Reenact Mag). They were right in their thinking, as the painting's popularity created the demand for many replicas, and copies were sold across the colonies.
George Washington stands tall as the focal point of the painting. The American flag soars above his head to the right, with flags from the British forces bundled at his feet. In the background, you can see British troops being taken prisoner and led off the battlefield (Yale Art Gallery). Washington is portrayed as relaxed, yet stoic in demeanor with his hand placed upon the British general's canon. I especially enjoy the fact that despite just engaging in battle, General Washington is neatly put together. Would I own a copy of this painting? Probably not, but I do appreciate the history behind it.
Bibliography:
Battles of Trenton and Princeton - Facts, Location & Importance - HISTORY
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