History Art Project instructions attached

Declaration of Independence In this elegant piece of artwork, John Trumball portrays very prominent founding fathers. Clearly, in this display, even though the scene never occurred, I feel a sense of seriousness and edginess. I can imagine that he was trying to convey the importance of the document itself versus the moment of its signing. Trumbull created this beautiful display between August 1817 and September 1818. On October 5, 1818, the painting was placed for public view. The signing of the Declaration of Independence was totally going to reshape American history. The message is clear, Thomas Jefferson along with his other committee members, presenting this significant document to the Second Continental Congress. This moment in history was indeed a milestone for America. The document contained principles for the Revolutionary War. There were various events that occurred during the year of 1818, but I do not believe that those particular events shaped this image. There is one event that stands out to me: during that year a treaty between the U.S. and the United Kingdom was established. I feel that may have some relation with the painting. Also, the content and context is somewhat different than what is really meant. I believe that Thomas Jefferson wanted to convey the message that the document itself should be preserved and not just the act of signing it.

Baptism of Pocahontas This painting was commissioned in 1837 and placed on display in November 1840. There seems to be a lot of emotions being displayed in this image. Some looks of approval and of disapproval. For some reason, even some of Pocahontas’ family has looked away from such a sacred ceremony. I sense a feeling and display of humbleness that Chapman was trying to convey. With the Pocahontas’ head bowed, this is a display of humbleness. Based off of this scenario, is symbolic because at that time Native Americans were being encouraged to accept Christianity as well as some other European ways. I feel that the content and context of the artwork is compatible. The reason being is because of what was going on at that time. Some people were looking intently because they appear to be unfamiliar with what was occurring. It clearly was accepted by some, but also rejected by others.

General George Washington Resigning His Commission This particular portrait is famous and well known. George Washington gave is farewell speech as he resigned as President. He appears to stand tall and confident in this image of what Trumball is trying to convey. He evokes the feeling of astonishment as everyone is gazing at him as he speaks before the congress. Trumball conveys this message well between content and context. He shows the spectators in the room as he speaks, clearly as they look upon him standing there front and center. This painting was created between 1822 and 1824. It was placed on display in 1826.

Landing of Columbus This painting was commissioned in June 1836 and placed in the Rotunda in January 1847. In this image I sense the feeling of pride. Vanderlyn shows in detail how proud and relieved that Christopher Columbus and his crew’s first landfall of their expedition. There is a message in this artwork compared to what they went through on the quest of discovery of Spain. I feel that the content and context align with one another because what Vanderlyn was trying to convey and the actual context of that event. As Columbus’ discovery of a New World, Vanderlyn shows the change in history that this would make.

Alexander Hamilton Stephens Georgia Alexander Hamilton Stephens was described as a great leader with great qualities to possess as a leader. Also, He developed a bond with another great well-known leader, Abraham Lincoln, who also admired him. It appears that Stephens worked hard up until his death. However, I cannot fully agree that he is a good representation of this state. As I read, he was a slave owner, which many other great leaders fought hard to abolish. Historically, he served on the Georgia House of Representatives. Also, Stephens was somehow elected governor of Georgia in 1882

Crawford W. Long Georgia Crawford W. Long was known as a quiet country doctor. This man, who represents the state of Georgia, was also known to be the first to discover the effects of ether anesthesia and to use it also in surgery. I feel that Long is a good representation for this state because of his faithfulness and diligence. He was known for helping the poor and rendering services of much charitable work. When Long moved to Athens, Georgia, he established a very large practice. Because of his discovery of the use of ether, he started using it in obstetrical cases. It appears that Long dedicated his life of helping others, which I feel represents this state in a positive way.