Monday, April 25, 2016

Leaders of the Revolutionary War

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!–Patrick Henry delivering his great speech on the Rights of the Colonies, before the Virginia Assembly, convened at Richmond, March 23rd, 1775. Concluding with the above sentiment, which became the war cry of the Revolution"
     Publisher: Currier & Ives (American, active New York, 1857–1907)
Date: 1876
Medium: Hand-colored lithograph

Accession Number: 63.550.388
Patrick Henry was a key member of the American Revolution. He is most well remembered for his speech entitled “”Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” which he delivered at St. John’s Church located in Richmond, Virginia, in March of 1775. According to many historians, Henry’s speech is what swung the common opinion of the convention to send troops from Virginia to fight in the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War officially began in April of 1775, right after Henry gave his arousing speech. This painting shows Henry at one of the climaxes of his speech rallying the delegates to his cause, and attempting to persuade them to join the fight and oppose the mighty British. The artist clearly articulates this in the painting, portraying Henry as an emphatic speaker, and as a leader in the room. Without Henry, the delegates might not have sent the troops and started the war, and this painting captures the importance of Henry’s leadership.

Benjamin Franklin
Artist: William P. Babcock (1826–1899)
Artist: After Louis de Carmontelle (French, Paris 1717–1806 Paris)
Date: ca. 1876
Medium: Oil on wood
Accession Number: 83.2.468
Ben Franklin is one of the most memorable figures from the revolutionary time period. Credited with multiple inventions, he is maybe most remembered for figuring out electricity with his experiment of flying a kite during a storm. What is forgotten about Franklin that by trade he was a printer. Franklin was one of the first and most prominent printers to publish articles and papers on the revolution. Franklin was one of the key voices of reason and idealists behind the revolution. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and was also an important diplomat that negotiated for America. In this painting, Franklin is shown sitting, with the Declaration of Independence beside him on a table. The Declaration of Independence was largely a project of Franklin’s, and one of the most important documents in American history. This painting shows the two together, almost as if Franklin is sitting admiring his work. This painting clearly captures Franklin’s brilliance and importance.
 Paul Revere
Artist: N.C Wyeth
Date: 1922,
Medium: Oil on canvas
Museum: Collection of The Hill School, Pottstown, PA

Paul Revere is another one of the iconic figures from the American Revolution. This painting by Wyeth captures the famous ride of Paul Revere, warning the people that the British were coming. The artist captures the urgency and importance of the situation, showing the horse in full gallop with wide eyes as if it has been on a long hard journey that is not over yet. Paul Revere is most remembered for this night even though he had an important role in other aspects of the revolution. Wyeth captures his iconic ride because of its importance to American history and because it is Revere’s most famous moment.


The Death Of General Warren At The Battle Of Bunker's Hill, June 17, 1775
Artist: John Trumbull
Date: 1786
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, USA
Joseph Warren was one of the most versatile leaders of the revolution. A doctor by trade, Warren served in a wide variety of roles during the American Revolution. This painting by Trumbull captures one of his finest moments, and one that many believe he should be remembered by. Warren had been named a general in the American army, but chose to go into battle just like a common private. There he was killed, in the Battle of Bunker Hill. You can see the significance of Warren in several ways. First, his troops are protecting his dead body. Second, one of the leaders of the British army is holding back his troops from further harming Warren as he is dying in the arms of one of his soldiers. One of the most beloved figures in the Revolution, this painting shows the importance of Warren even though he considered himself a common soldier. It also shows how much he meant to the revolution, as his soldiers are clearly distressed that Warren has fallen. 
Alexander Hamilton
Artist: John Trumbull (American, Lebanon, Connecticut 1756–1843 New York)
Date: 1792
Medium: Oil on canvas
Accession Number: 2013.454
Hamilton tends to get lost in the background when talking about heroes from the American Revolution. Hamilton was George Washington’s right hand man. He was also one of the best interpreters of the U.S Constitution and the first Secretary of the Treasury.   Here Trumbull has Hamilton standing beside a document with a pen and quill. Trumbull is portraying the fact that Hamilton was influential in laying the groundwork for many important documents and policies for America. While he never saw the battlefield, Hamilton impacted the country in numerous ways using his writing ability and his brilliance. Trumbull captures both of those qualities in this painting.
 George Washington before the Battle of Trenton
Artist: John Trumbull (American, Lebanon, Connecticut 1756–1843 New York)
Date: ca. 1792–94
Medium: Oil on canvas
Accession Number: 22.45.94
One of the most important figures in the revolution, Trumbull paints Washington for exactly what he was. Washington was a crucial leader who stepped up when America needed him to and led the colonies to a shocking victory over the British. In this picture Trumbull portrays Washington as a calm, collected, strategic leader. He is looking on before the battle, which can almost be shown by the dark storm clouds in the background. While everyone else in the painting seems to be nervous, even the horse, Washington looks very relaxed, as if he is contemplating carefully his next move. This portrayal is indicative of Washington during the war. As all of the colonies scrambled about nervously, Washington was a uniting factor who brought the colonies together and led them to an improbable victory. These qualities are well shown by Trumbull in this painting. 


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