American Revolutionary Art: Portraits, Symbols, and National Identity

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about American Revolutionary Art, portraits, symbols, and national identity.

1776 Continental Army Event

The British outmaneuvered and overwhelmed the Continental Army in New York, forcing General Washington to flee.

Valley Forge Significance

Winter marked by disease, exposure, and malnutrition, resulting in the deaths of 2,500 soldiers.

Benjamin Franklin's 1778 Achievement

Secured a military alliance with France to support American independence.

British Response to Alliance

The British evacuated Philadelphia and sought peace with the Continental Congress.

Pennsylvania Resolution January 18, 1779

Resolved to honor those who served the country by creating statues and paintings.

First Public Art Commission

Charles Willson Peale was commissioned to paint a portrait of General Washington.

Purpose of Washington's Portrait

To acknowledge Washington's contributions to American liberty and inspire the war effort.

Battle Significant for Morale

The Battle of Princeton, which proved that the British army was not invincible.

Washington's Character Emphasized

Peale focused on Washington's leadership qualities and the aftermath of victory.

Peale's Background

Peale was an accomplished artist with military experience and had studied under Benjamin West.

Patriots' Emotional State January 1779

They felt optimistic due to recent successes and the alliance with France.

Supreme Executive Council's Hope

To inspire others to contribute to the war effort for public happiness and private honor.

Challenges Peale Faced

Had to work quickly and decide how to depict Washington's character and actions.

Battle of Princeton Significance

Marked the first indication that the Revolution could be won, boosting American morale.

Washington's Acceptance to Sit for Portrait

Signified his acknowledgment of the importance of the Council's sentiments and art's role.

Historical Context of Portrait's Installation

Installed in the Pennsylvania State House, a symbol of American independence.

Conditions for Washington's Troops

Faced severe hardships including hunger, disease, and exposure during the winter.

British Peace Overture Outcome

Congress rejected the offer, insisting any settlement must be on American terms.

Qualities of Peale's Portrait of Washington

Conveyed approachability, calmness, benevolence, and understated heroism.

Location of Peale's Portrait Installation

Behind the Speaker's chair in the State House.

Defacement of Washington's Portrait

Loyalists broke into the State House and slashed it repeatedly with a knife.

Public Reaction to Portrait Defacement

Indignation at such atrocious proceedings.

Loyalists' Symbolism in Slashing Portrait

Satisfaction for a lost cause and a symbolic strike against Washington's image.

Duration of Untouched Portrait

Two and a half years before it was slashed.

Art's Impact During the Revolution

Artworks carried significance and could provoke destruction.

Significance of Official Portraits

Vulnerable to attack, especially if the artist was a political ally.

Damage to Governor Bernard's Portrait

Radical activists cut the heart area out of the portrait.

Public Reaction to Bernard's Portrait Damage

A Boston newspaper sarcastically commented on the restoration of the portrait's heart.

Destruction of King George III Statue

Resulted from reading the Declaration of Independence to Washington's troops.

What Happened to the King George III Statue

American troops tore it down, dismembered it, and recycled it into musket balls.

Great American Artists of Late 18th Century

Peale, Copley, Benjamin West, John Trumbull, and Gilbert Stuart.

Artists' Transformation During Revolution

Examined loyalty to the Crown and considered becoming contributing citizens.

Historical Events Influencing Artists' Careers

Independence, warfare, diplomatic triumph, and the rise of the presidency.

Destruction of Art Significance

Signified potent emotions and civic disputes surrounding art.

Narration of the American Revolution by Artists

Used brushes and canvases to create images that helped make sense of the Revolution.

Types of Images Created by Artists

Images of the Declaration, battles, and portraits of key figures like Washington.

Initial Challenge for the U.S. After Revolution

Needed new images to unify a diverse population with local identities.

John Adams on Uniting Colonies

Noted diversity in governments, religions, and customs complicating unity.

Constitution's Role in Unity

Articulated shared rights and laws to bind Americans together.

Persuasive Images and American Identity

Provided a common vision essential for uniting diverse citizens.

Stuart's Portrait of Washington Impact

Reproduced more than any other image and appeared on trillions of one-dollar bills.

Trumbull's Revolutionary War Pictures Significance

Served as silent witnesses to state ceremonies and connected citizens to origins.

Charles Willson Peale's Contribution

Painted over a hundred portraits and created a gallery in Independence Hall.

West's Role during Revolution

Navigated wartime England while expressing American sentiments through art.

Copley's Approach to Politics in Art

Initially avoided political themes but later painted American Patriots.

John Trumbull's Contribution to Historical Painting

Commissioned to create four large paintings of significant Revolutionary events.

Stuart's Background Influence on Art

Became a talented portraitist painting influential figures without political allegiance.

Lasting Impact of Artists' Images

Become indispensable icons in American culture and historical documents.

Artists' Works and American Identity

Help Americans feel grounded in their past and shaped understanding of origins.