Washington at Princeton by Tanner Bone

Hi, my name is Tanner Bowen and I'm a junior at the University of Arkansas studying international business. Today I'm here at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to talk to you about the painting Washington at Princeton by Charles Wilson Peale. In Bentonville, Arkansas, world-renowned art museum Crystal Bridges offers a diverse collection of painting and sculpture. In the American history section, they have Charles Wilson Peale's Washington at Princeton. Charles Wilson Peale is widely regarded as one of the most active and influential artists of the late 18th century. Peale became heavily involved in the American Revolutionary cause and it is a time period from which he drew much of his artistic inspiration. Noted for his portraits of key revolutionary figures, including over 1,100 portraits of leaders like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, he is most known for painting more portraits of George Washington in his lifetime than any other artist. Since his first painting of Washington in 1772 at Mount Vernon, Peale ended his career with seven distinct portraits of America's first president. As mentioned, Charles Wilson Peale was an avid supporter and follower of the American Revolution and in doing so spent a great deal of time at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Here's where he painted what is considered to be his greatest work, George Washington at Princeton. The painting found immediate success and saw an instant demand for replicas, including French ambassador Conrad Alexander, who as a gift purchased one to give to King Louis XVI in 1779. The piece is tied specifically to the Battle of Princeton and Peale wanted that scene and message to be depicted effectively. The painting itself shows the founding father leaning against an enemy cannon sporting a blue and buff uniform with a blue sash of the commander-in-chief. On the ground slightly to the left of Washington is a fallen British flag juxtaposed in position to a lifted colonial American flag flying in the top right corner symbolizing the result of the battle. At the same point in the background one can see a line of red-coated British soldiers escorted as prisoners by the victorious colonists. Further in the background is Nassau Hall, the building to which the battle actually came to a close. The historical relevance in terms of American history plays into the nationalistic value that the painting exhibits. The portrait is a simple oil-on-canvas painting. Peale was intentional in his realistic and natural portrayal of General Washington as he wanted the representation to be focused on accuracy rather than idealization. Peale used lighting to place a further emphasis on the general using a pinkish blue sky with the horizon line at the mid-level of the canvas. This worked to highlight the darker intensity of the hues of Washington's uniforms while emphasizing the white face and white parts of the uniform. Some believe that this use of dawn as the time of day also portrays the dawn of the American Revolution. When analyzing the face of Washington there is an underlying look of self-awareness and confidence, a look of success that has gone hand-in-hand with the legacy of the American hero. The artistic strategy of perspective to bring focus to Washington is the obvious focal point as he is centrally located and larger than all the other activities shown in the portrait. One methodology outside of formalism that accurately evaluates George Washington at Princeton is the biography methodology. Per the time period most portraits fit into this methodology, especially in the United States, because it was used to tell the story of events that not only shaped a nation but the history of that nation. Many artists saw it as their duty to realistically depict these events so that their work could serve as a reference point for future generations. Peale is no different. An American himself, Peale's objective when undertaking the painting was to portray Washington in the light that most colonists saw their leader, a man of reverence, high character, and ultimately a successful proponent of the fight for American independence. By definition the biography methodology works to interpret works as expressions and personalities. Peale's goal with the painting portrait was, as previously mentioned, to honestly and accurately show Washington. The relaxed non-idealized body coupled with the character attributes implied on Washington's face accomplish this portrayal as Peale intended for both Washington and as an American. In my opinion this painting falls into the same category as many of its time, that being of the neoclassical genre. In fact the neoclassical style became the style most associated with revolutionary movements of the time period. As the American Revolution developed so too did the neoclassical movement in the colonies. Neoclassism was a very political genre and placed emphasis on patriotism, valiance, and other morally sound virtues or ideals, such as shown in the John Trumbull's depiction of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Taking some characteristics of their Roman and Greek predecessors, artists of this era sought to bring honor and distinction to their subjects such as Peale has done with Washington. This is why this painting is a prototypical example of neoclassical painting in America. It is apparent to me that Roman and Greek influence are exhibited in Peale's piece. The art of these cultures are often focused on leaders and legends of their time, almost as idols or gods. Washington is a comparable figure in his own time and country, serving as the founding father, first president, and the successful liberator of the colonies. The primary difference is the focus of Washington to make him realistic and natural, conflicting with the typical Greek or Roman ideal person. His body is clothed in normal rather than perfectly sculpted in the nude. Neoclassical art was no doubt influenced by these cultures, and though this painting does not fit it to a tee, such similarities certainly do exist. I've always had a fascination with American history, especially U.S. presidents, so when I saw this painting at Crystal Bridges, it was a no-brainer. Many Americans only associate Washington with being the first president and his military services overlooked, but in fact most of his most famous images and moments came as a military leader. Not only did I get to learn about the artistic viewpoint of this painting, but I also learned a lot of American history as well, which was a bonus.