Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Predictions:

• Due to prior visits, I predict that we will observe exhibits which correlate with our studies on racial injustices during the late 19^th century (i.e. failure of the Reconstruction movement).
• I also believe that the exhibits may portray how racially motivated crimes were still present during the 20^th century (how it transcended throughout the last century).

Observations:

We began with an exhibit of compiled works from the Amistad Center for Art and Culture. Not only did this exhibit pay tribute to the lengthy tale concerning a group of mutinous slaves, but also it depicted racial injustices which occurred in the 19^th century. The following exhibit consisted of landscape paintings which were believed to depict the tumult within the nation (during the 19^th and 20^th century). There were differing narratives throughout both exhibits. The Amistad collections conveyed a sense of remembrance and acknowledgement of past injustices. David Washington’s intentionally crude work of art portrayed the claustrophobic and inhumane conditions of slave ships, while William Anderson’s black and white print of a barber shop spoke volumes about the apparent segregation during the mid 20^th century. Some landscape paintings blatantly depicted undertones of pride and patriotism, while others illustrated the controversial and tumultuous events occurring during the 19^th century. For example, Fredric Church’s vibrant painting of Jamaica represented a lack of unity within the nation. Both exhibits coincided with differing American identities. The first exhibit exemplified the nation’s history of racially motivated injustices and how slavery was preserved as a pinnacle of the country (a supported ideology). In some respects, the second exhibit conveyed a glorified sense of pride, while in others it showed a lack of unity within the nation.

Final Questions:

• What group of individuals would these pompous landscape paintings be tailored to?
• What motivated these artists to produce such moving and powerful works of art?

Sources: http://www.history.com/news/the-amistad-slave-rebellion-175-years-ago

The Joseph Webb House

Various houses are scattered throughout Wethersfield, CT, preserved with their original foundations, woodworking and furniture. In the midst of these well-preserved structures stands a white, Gambrel style house known as the Joseph Webb House. The Webb’s opulence is portrayed through their magnificent portraits, the vibrant colors of their wallpaper and the immense size of the house. Due to these reasons, when the esteemed General George Washington came to meet the French General Comte de Rochambeau; he took shelter at the Webb’s house for a total of five nights. During that period of time the two generals discussed their plan for the offensive later known as the Siege of Yorktown.

The narrative conveyed in the Joseph Webb house was a commemoration for the General George Washington and an apparent pride for bearing witness to a pivotal and significant event during the Revolutionary War. Due to this collective feeling of patriotism about the war many of the negative aspects of the Webb family were overshadowed. The Webb family owned many slaves, stowing them away in the dimly lit attic directly above the scared room that George Washington had once slept in. Although, the Webb family are not remembered in a negative light, but rather a distinguished family who aided our countries leader in his time of need. As stated before I believe that this site is a living monument to our nations pride in independence and patriotism. These values live on through sites such as the Webb House, which stand for the sole purpose of marking when and how they aided the country. George Washington is a paragon of patriotism and the fact that this house would be considered a historic site due  to a few measly nights he spent there portrays how much we take pride in our independence. Although, I have a few questions about the details on the event at the Webb House. What was the purpose of meeting in Wethersfield? Was there an established relationship between the Webb family and George Washington?

Sources: https://webb-deane-stevens.org/historic-houses-barns/webb-house/