The Art of New Relationships
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
When one considers art and idea, one inevitably has to think about what is the quality of the idea which is going to influence the creation of the art. Art has existed since the creation of man. Anyone who has visited an art museum has had the possibility of viewing art from the era of the Pharaohs, ancient Chinese art forms, Central American masks, African bowls, Renaissance paintings, Impressionism, Abstractionism, and a multitude of other forms. Some of the pieces viewed are more pleasing to the eye than others. Some are very orderly in their composition. Some involve detailed study to really determine the intent that the artist was attempting to convey.
A question can legitimately be asked, “What is worthy of other people investing their time to view?” Another question might be, “What is the value of the idea represented in this painting?” If a work is pleasing to view, that sense often arises from the fact that the idea within the work is constructive and life giving.
Several different ideas have contributed to the development of reams of art over the millennia. The most prominent idea that has done so is the Judeo-Christian, which has influenced artists since the days of the Roman Empire up until today. Prominent examples of this include Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
The Greco-Roman foundation has also played a significant part in the development of art through the painting of the classics, and the depiction of life in antiquity.
Other secular art has included everyday life, a country’s military engagements, and even the growth of scientific knowledge. Significant works here include the Pastrana Tapestries, depicting Portuguese conquests.
Looking at early American history and the art of that period, there are numerous paintings depicting life as it existed, and the ideals of the young country. I am going to focus on one painting that depicts what the United States was attempting to pursue in relations between citizens and their leaders.
“Washington and Lafayette at Mount Vernon, 1784”, the painting shown above, depicts the real peaceful and approachable character of people in the early United States. Leaders, as servants of the people, were not removed from common citizens. The French General, Lafayette, had served under Washington during the Revolutionary War. His commitment to the cause of American freedom, and faithfulness and capability in service, enabled the two men to develop a close friendship. As one observes the painting, ordinary, mundane things are shown with these two leaders. Children and dogs were observed as part of life. The painting gives the appearance that the meeting of two important leaders of different countries does not need to be staged to try to impress the world, but can occur in the most ordinary manner at any particular time or occasion. Children and others didn’t necessarily have to look like they were practicing their most attentive behavior. The women at the table could do their own thing without having to feign interest in what others were discussing. Toys could be lying around without the feeling of everything having to look like a picture out of a magazine.
The thirteen former colonies were set to become The United States, a new country founded on new traditions, and turning Old World relationships on their heads. Societal glass ceilings would not be shattered overnight, but that day would come, and leaders would embrace service to the people they governed, and gradually pull back the curtain showing the way to freedom and opportunity for those willing to embrace it.
The Art of New Relationships
Posted October 7, 2012 by Chuck DeShazo
Articles
