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Period: to
1800 - 1899 MH
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Period: to
1800 - 1899
The 19th Century brought change, human invention, new-found freedoms residing within humanity. The selections reflect the possibilities of the time. A few reasons for the choices; their instant drawing of attention as simple aesthetic pleasure (Kant), totality of each work embodying truth with wholeness of beauty (Hegel, Heidegger) and showing movement of individuality. 19th c. shifts from realistic classical to more open, abstract, work of the 20th c. -
Ottawa Tribe
Ottawa Tribe Grand Rapids, MI by Baptist Missionary. Chief Noonday and tribe, converts and family living as community. Missionary Slater and his wife had 4 children one named Soman-a-que, "Child of a Chief," by Chief Noonday. The composition of line and space moves the viewer from the bottom front curving through to the horizon. -
the Louvre
1831-33 Samuel F. B. Morse painting of the Louvre. Morse felt very strongly that society needed a broadened scope of activity and experience. He felt deeply that his artwork could help strengthen curiosity and knowledge along with civil discourse, referencing Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”. Morse went beyond his surroundings for art to benefit humanity. -
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
“Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” There is a debate of authorship; Wallace Willis, a slave owned by Choctaw Britt Willis or Ella Sheppard of the Fisk Jubilee Singers 1871. The importance of this song and the feelings it brings forth merit investigation. It is a song many respond knowingly and respectfully to. The author of this song is an argument for another day. -
Van Wert church
Van Wert church and Cemetery in Polk County, Georgia. Symbol of life, living, and death. It also exclaims the calm emotional attachment many have when viewing a scene as this. Tolstoy’s belief art is deeper than the surface connects this artwork to humanity. -
The One Horse Open Sleigh
“The One Horse Open Sleigh” written by J. Pierpont. Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh… It’s beginning as a tavern song are apt to the joy, energy, freedom from cares, and the popular longevity of this song. -
Washington Monument
1854-1884 Washington Monument. The symmetrical, historical and iconic structure honoring George Washington is the tallest stone structure in the world. It took a while between conception and completion, which the monument does not relate the precise original design. Collingwood’s idea of art proper being only in the imagination of the artist and not in the actual object is reflected here with the facts. -
Bridge No. 28
Bridge No. 28, nicknamed “Gothic Bridge” is one of Central Park’s three Reservoir bridges, designed by Calvert Vaux. When one walks by the ways of nature a rest from the streets of the city, one happens upon a thing of beauty and rests there momentarily to revive the humanity within themselves. -
Little Women
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. This book based on the childhood experiences of Alcott sold more than 2000 copies immediately upon being published. Heidegger’s idea of the ‘thingly-ness’ of something bringing together the masses appreciating the work is reflected here. Generations have and continue to have a connection with the story. -
Hiawatha’s Marriage
“Hiawatha’s Marriage”, sculpted by Edmonia Lewis. Lewis was baptized and educated in the Catholic Faith which she draws upon for this work of art. -
Sierra Nevada
“Sierra Nevada” Albert Bierstadt. This oil on canvas resonates with the majesty, awe, and wonderment this painting brings forth and allows as the visitor relishes the movements of the structure, colors, shapes, and manifestation of all wonderful things in nature. Dewey’s conviction that art binds humanity with nature and must not become elite exudes from this work. -
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln in marble by Vinnie Ream. She was only 18 years old when she created this work. The confidence and impetuousness of youth. -
Point of Rocks
Baltimore & Ohio's “Point of Rocks” train depot in Maryland, designed by architect E. Francis Baldwin. The splendor of this station brings many photographers, so many, it may be considered one of the most photographed train depots in America. -
St Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City. James Renick designed this cathedral with the acknowledgement of the many European nationalities represented in the Catholic Diocese area of New York and their appreciation of Gothic Medieval style. -
Vaudeville
1880s Vaudeville. By this time half of the American population lived in cities and towns, making more money and having more leisure time. Vaudeville shows entertained regardless of social status and they were an alternative to the Burlesque shows of the day which did not exactly invite the family in. -
Shepard Family Band
1880s-1890s Shepard Family Band. This family band was but one of many during that time giving concerts and performances. They were capable of playing many instruments entertaining with musical artwork of completeness as portrayed by Schopenhauer. -
Huckleberry Finn
“Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). Plato and Aristotle believed art was to be for the good of society. Twain’s ability to present social challenges of the day, face them straight on, expose and explore them in the art of language, writing and storytelling, opened the door even more for art to be accepted as comment on social society. He led the way for the 20th century to further explore; in some ways society has come to expect social issues to be addressed through art. -
Schooner Prize
Tiffany & Co, Goblet Schooner Prize (silver), New York Yacht Club. This piece exhibits an artists’ ability to employ design and technical skills producing sophisticated aesthetics. -
Flying Dutchman
“Flying Dutchman” by Albert Pinkham Ryder. Heidegger spoke of the artist originating the work and the work originating the artist; this art piece is like that and it also greatly contributed to the transfer of imagery as realistic to imagery, as abstract; opening the way for future artists to be individualistic in their renderings. -
A Dash for the Timber
“A Dash for the Timber” by Frederic Remington. This work is four feet by seven feet and exhibits immediacy. A moment in time a quest; the movement, shadow, dust, light all the horses in the air driving their hardest while their riders move symbiotically with them. -
Atlantic City Beach Boardwalk
Atlantic City Beach Boardwalk. This frozen moment in time allows the viewer to feel emotion, imagine, to think of life before them and relish in the connection of humanity throughout time. The conciseness of contrast within the photograph involving the isolation of the couple but with throngs of people around them, relaxing, walking, conversing, looking, this exhibits community -
At the Seaside
“At the Seaside” William Merritt Chase. The genteel vitality of this painting with its movement and expression of humanity displays a moment to unwind from the hectic day, leading one to peacefulness, to a moment of recharging, to a moment of endlessness. -
Babahatchie Inn
1892 Babahatchie Inn, Oakdale, Tennessee. Across the other side of the tracks an impressive wooden structure is before one, bringing the eye from the sprawling side into the covered porch and up up to the heights of the top floor with symmetry and majesty. The inn was later converted to one of the largest YMCAs in the nation, it no longer exists. -
Fairfield public library
Fairfield public library located in Fairfield, Iowa. Libraries have the individual distinction and, nay responsibility, that they house art, not only house it but the art they contain inside art is art one can experience, touch, see, smell, sit in, be wrapped up in, an art that develops the mind pushing humanity forward. Designed by Architect: A.P. Clark, Jr. this was the first library in Iowa to receive an Andrew Carnegie grant. -
The Red Badge of Courage
“The Red Badge of Courage” by Steven Crane. This writing with its explorations of character is considered one of the most influential in American literature. It presents a story of a young recruit during the American Civil War learning the cruelties of war. This book brought to attention the human connection not just facts of battles. -
Adam's Station
Adam's Station Power House designed by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse. The first hydro-electric power plant; built in Niagara Falls starting the electrification of the world. “It is a monument worthy of our scientific age… enlightenment and of peace. It signifies the subjugation of natural forces to the service of man… the relieving of millions from want and suffering" Tesla. Plato would approve of ones stepping out of their comfort cave adding value to society.
