American Art Research Paper

What is American about American Art What is American about American art? American art is now filled with a diverse and broad range of visual and creative expressions; however, this could not have happened if Americans did not have the urge to search for a self-image. Originally, the Hopewell, Mississippian, and other Native American cultures left behind some very important archaeological remains such as the Great Serpent Mound, Monk’s Mound, and the Pueblo homes of Chaco Canyon. Some of the artifacts that came from these historical sites included clay and stone figurines and pipes, decorated ceremonial pottery, great ceremonial buildings or kivas, and many other objects that were all made from natural materials.
Perhaps, this is why our nation’s art is a key issue that is being discussed and criticized in today’s times. On the other hand, America is the land of the free as well as a united nation. So why is the authenticity of American art even being questioned? Although many art historians and critics continue to question whether American art is truly American or not, American art has already reflected the nation’s growing identity, recorded the culture’s way of life, captured society’s struggles and advancements, and presented totally new styles and approaches to art making.
One reason why American art is truly American is because it has reflected the nation’s growing identity from colonial to contemporary times. Many of the great works that were created in America mirrored some of the significant changes that took place in our history. First, there were early works that specifically changed the nation’s original identity. These works include the San Estevan and San Jose mission churches that were built in the late 16th century. For example, these churches were established in New Mexico by the early Spanish and European settlers who
These Artists include John Smibert, Robert Feke, John Greenwood, Joseph Badger, Joseph Blackburn, Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley, Charles Wilson Peale, John Trumbull, Gilbert Stuart, Jean-Antoine Houdon, Horatio Greenough, John Vanderlyn, Thomas Sully, Erastus Salisbury Field, Ammi Phillips, Joshua Johnson and to an extent Samuel F. B. Morse. One major work that reflected the nation’s growing identity is Benjamin West’s 1771, Penn’s Treaty with the Indians When He Founded the Province of Pennsylvania in North America. For example, this painting captured the growing population of diverse cultures, the new arriving prosperity of the bustling harbors, and the building of large houses in the background. It also recalled the event that had supposedly taken place in 1682 when William Penn entered into a peace treaty with the chief of the Lenni Lenape tribe, which marked the momentarily land sharing agreement between the early European settlers and the indigenous peoples. Another important work that reflected America’s upcoming identity is John Singleton Copley’s 1770, Mrs. Ezekiel Goldthwait.