Happy Independence Day

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 

Artist John Trumbull, American, 1756–1843

Oil on canvas, 12 ft x 18 ft, 1818

This painting depicts the moment on June 28, 1776, when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress. The document stated the principles for which the Revolutionary War was being fought and which remain fundamental to the nation. Less than a week later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration was officially adopted, it was later signed on August 2, 1776

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." 

                                                         -Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence

Happy 4th of July

Explore - Question - Learn - Enjoy, Jim 

 Website - jimserrett.com 

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Fourth of July Inspiration: Howard Pyle

Howard Pyle (1853 - 1911) The Nation Makers, 1903, Oil on canvas, 40 1/4 × 26 in.

Howard Pyle was a Golden Age Illustrator, painter and author.

Today, Howard Pyle is not nearly as well-known as his images. However, he was one of America’s most popular illustrators and storytellers at a time when top illustrators were celebrities. Pyle was also heavily immersed in documenting the history of America. Pyle considered The Nation Makers among his most important works and, between 1903 and 1908, he sent it on tour to New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Green Bay. People stood in line to see the work on display.

Happy 4th of July !

Explore - Question - Learn - - Enjoy, Jim 

Website - jimserrett.com
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Fourth of July Inspiration: Childe Hassam

"The Avenue in the Rain," by the American painter Childe Hassam. (1859–1935)

oil on canvas, 42 in. x 22.25 in.  1917, Courtesy of The White House Collection.

The Impressionist work depicts Fifth Avenue in New York City in the rain, decorated with US flags.

It is hard to think of the 4th without thinking of a Hassan painting.

To learn more about Childe Hassam click this link.

Happy 4th of July!

Explore - Question - Learn - Enjoy, Jim 

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The Fourth of July by Childe Hassam

The Fourth of July by Childe Hassam, 1916, oil on canvas, 36 x 26 inches

This patriotic flag painting was painted by the American Impressionist Childe Hassam (1859-1935).

I believe it to be a street in NY city, one of several pieces he produced in this genre. These are some of the most distinctive and famous works by the artist. There were around thirty painting in his "Flag series". (Notice the flag in the foreground and how it has only 48 stars as Alaska and Hawaii were not yet states in 1916.)  Always an inspiration and one of my favorite artists.

Happy 4th of July!

To learn more about Childe Hassam click this link.

Explore - Question - Learn - Enjoy, Jim 

Website - jimserrett.com
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Happy Independence Day

In the painting Independence Day, Andrew Wyeth portrays his longtime friend and neighbor Tom Clark sitting on a porch alongside a billowing American flag. Clark lived in a small African American community in Chadds Ford known as “Little Africa,” which had originated as a Quaker stop on the Underground Railroad. Beginning in 1957, Wyeth produced numerous drawings and watercolors of Clark, whose physical features captivated the artist.

The composition and lighting are dramatic and suggestive of the times. Painted in 1961 an important year in the civil rights movement I cannot help but think Wyeth was making a social comment here. I like this analysis of the work, “The composition isolates Tom Clark from the flag, but this flag is broad and expansive, and capable of extending freedom to all Americans.”

Happy Independence Day !!

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) Independence Day, watercolor on paper, 14 x 20 inches

Explore - Question - Learn - Enjoy, Jim 

Website - jimserrett.com 
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