American Art History Essay

Since its inception, America has been a country of diversified cultures. It’s demographic profile has changed dramatically over time, and it continues to do so into the present. Three hundred years ago, America was a country compromised of Native groups, European colonizers, and of forcibly enslaved Africans. Two hundred years ago, the country became a region that described its heritage as norther European, Protestant and English, decipte its presence of Indians and Blacks as well as Hispanic Catholics. One hundred years ago, the nation absorbed millions of immigrants from Europe and Russia who transformed American life. Since then America has attracted people from all over the globe and has become the forefront of cultural encounter among the peoples of the world. And our arts embody this. Three pieces of art that I believe have embodied American art history through out this course are Benjamin West’s, “Wiliam Penn’s Treaty with the Indians”, Asher B. Durans “Progress; The Advance of Civilization” and Thomas Ball’s “Memorial to Lincoln”.

For Benjamin West the quandary was how to achieve a purpose beyond the visual delight of imitation and recording family history. His paintings had a sense of realism and high seriousness that I have not been able to percieve in other paintings. I believe his painting of “William Penn’s Treaty with the Indians” signifies a great milestone in American history. His painting illustrates a treaty between the Indians and Europeans. This was the only treaty that was never infringed. The painting is divided in half with lush and slighty darker Native Americans on the right and the Pennsilvania Quaker merchants on the left. I appreciate the story behind this work of art because it illustrates the process of diplomacy and demonstrates honorable intentions of both parties. The cloth represents a mutual exchange of fairness between the old and new world. The stong lines reinforce a sense of equanimity and calmness. This painting moves us...