The Classical Era

Two major influences in this Classical Era period are the American and French revolutions. The creation of the Americas and the demise of the French Monarchy led the emphasis of the era to focus on reason and intellect with freedoms from tyranny and superstitions. Many historical American art pieces were created in this era, leading it to be one of my more favorite Eras of art. This Classical Era was the beginning of our great country, and the following images are all related to the American Revolution.

Yankee Doodle By: Archibald MacNeal Willard

This painting originally titled Yankee Doodle is one of several paintings painted as a scene in the nineteenth century American Revolutionary war. This painting was one of several painted by A.M. Willard that was known in the century as The Spirit of ’76. This Yankee Doodle painting was one of the most famous paintings relating to the American Revolutionary war. The flag that is flying above the three men’s heads was often assumed to be the Betsy Ross flag, but it is actually the “Cowpens” flag that was flown during the turning point of the war, the Battle of Cowpens. Archibald used his father as a model for the middle character of the painting as he sketched three men as they sang and danced. I would own this piece of art, like most pieces of art from this era, as it represents our independence.

“The Birth of Old Glory”  By: Percy Moran

This is an image of Betsy Ross showing General George Washington the first American flag. It wouldn’t be a blog about the American Revolution without a picture of George Washington. Some people question that Betsy Ross made the first flag, but it is well-known that she hand sewed many flags. Betsy and George were said to have been somewhat acquaintances as George visited Betsy’s shop to ask for the flag to be made. Betsy Ross could arguably have been one of the most famous people who wasn’t the president or military official from the American revolutionary period. The interesting thing about this painting was that it was not painted until a much later period of time. Betsy Ross wasn’t recognized as famous in her time, and it wasn’t until later in history that she was considered famous for sewing flags (more than likely including the first flag).

“Archibald Willard.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 June 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archibald_Willard.

History.com, A&E Television Networks, http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/boston-massacre.

Paul Revere Heritage Project, http://www.paul-revere-heritage.com/boston-massacre-engraving.html.

“The Basics of ‘The Birth of Old Glory.’” The  Birth  of Old  Glory, the-birth-of-old-glory.weebly.com/the-basics-of-the-birth-of-old-glory.html.