In 1898-1930, America was undergoing rapid change. Progressives shaped the country. Inventions were being made rapidly. A World War broke out. All of these things affected the American art of the era. Art was used to make propaganda posters for World War 1. It was also used in support of Progressives in newspapers, pamphlets, and other forms of media. The new inventions cropped up in art as the times changed, truly reflecting the gains of the era. In most of these works, colors were not used often so that they could be reprinted with ease. While many different styles of art were used for different causes, in the painting world, one style was beginning to debut in America that was originally hated by our people when they first saw it in France. But during this time period, Impressionism spread slowly but surely through the United States of America, creating a new branch in the style: American Impressionism. In conclusion, art from 1898-1930 was heavily influenced by global events.
This drawing was made by Herbert Andrew Paus in 1918. I found this picture very significant as it isn't really an in-your-face kind of propaganda. The drawing depicts those on the front relaxing and in nicely-furnished place, which does glorify the war by a generous amount, so I did consider this to be propaganda. However, it could be taken as just a drawing of how life really was on the front for some. That's the whole reason as to why this picture is so significant: it shows a slice of life in the war to convince you rather than screaming at you to join the effort. The fact that this was made during wartime means that Herbert Paus wasn't drafted and that he was still able to continue making art as the war went on. Artists and art was used especially during war to help people to join. It was even more important then. Lastly, I learned that most art in America from this period was devoted to the first World War. Considering how long, controversial, and wide-spanning the war was, this makes perfect sense. As for the art itself, it is another wash drawing like the drawing of the girl dressing up the cat in "Harper's First Reader" from the previous time period showcased. Several years later, wash drawings were still being made, which I think is quite interesting. The shading on the faces and the flat coloring on everything else really give the faces definition. I think the two-toned wall was a great idea as its hues are not used too much elsewhere and they add much contrast.
(Primary Source)
Photograph 1: "Dog looking at and listening to a phonograph" As said by the title, this drawing consists of a dog sitting on some sort of flat and somewhat-reflective surface and a phonograph. The dog is listening to the phonograph with great interest. The painting itself was made in 1898 by Francis Berraud. I chose to display this photo as it shows off the phonograph, a result of people capitalizing in new fields in this era. The phonographs were also produced in factories by factory workers at the whim of rich business owners, a scenario that would be ultimately dismantled by progressive reform. This piece is an example of Realism, an art style that, as one would expect, is very realistic. The highlights on the phonograph give it contrast, depth, and implied texture. The fur on the dog is also another form of well-done implied texture.
Photograph 2: "Corcoran Art Gallery. Exterior of Corcoran Art Gallery" This photo was taken in 1920 by Theodor Horydczak and it is of the exterior of the Corcoran Art Gallery. Visible in the photograph is the arching branch of a tree, some vehicles, and obviously the art gallery. I found this picture significant as it shows that art was still thriving in America just a couple years after World War 1 ended. It also shows cars, meaning that industry was switched back to making materials for civilians relatively quickly. Either way, it make me curious about what kind of art was on display at the time: was it holding works from before the war, did it show off recent forms of propaganda or even depictions of war? I did some research and found that the art movement of this time period in America was Impressionism, which, as one might guess, is an abstract style of panting. It originated in Europe and crept into America most prominently during this time period. Regardless of what art the Gallery holds, the photograph itself is an example of Monochrome Photography, which is when a photograph is all in one hue rather than in multiple colors.
Photograph 3: "They Live in Our Memory" Found in a newspaper from Veteran's day, 1922, in a newspaper from Armadillo, Texas , this piece depicts soldiers running across a battlefield. An angel above them holds out a wreath for them and showers flowers down towards them. The soldiers are running towards gunfire, and a couple are already injured. I was happy to see that art was being published to remember the lives lost four years after the first World War. This really shows the profound effect such a war had on our society alone. Everyone cared about what happened, not just those who were directly associated with it-this drawing was sponsored by the National Bank of Commerce. The picture itself was probably made through Lithography, which is basically just a way of mass-printing drawings such as this one. For that reason, we can determine that it was definitely done in ink. The contrast between the light sky and the dark battlefield somewhat symbolizes how down on the front, it was dark, difficult and dangerous, but the peace after was like a breath of fresh air and was freeing. The hatching shading used adds values to the vast sky, making the space much more interesting to look at.
Photograph 4: "Official Program Women Suffrage Procession" The art here was done for a program for a procession for suffrage. A women clad in vivid, frilly clothes marches towards the White House for change. Not only does this show the route of the procession, it also shows what the women wish to change. The fact that they're marching towards the White House means they intend to directly affect the president's mind on the matter of suffrage. The art also sort of glorifies the march, as the woman is riding valiantly upon a horse with two others sitting in the carriage behind her. I found this picture significant as it shows how several different people supported suffrage, from suffragists to artists. The quality of the art shows that the suffragists were well-funded and strong as many as 7 years before their rights became reality. Strangely enough, this was the only colored picture of the bunch I chose. The bright yellows really make the outfit pop against its navy stripes. The trees also match this shade, making the whole painting feel more united and uniform. Lastly, the two pieces of writing about the procession are layered behind the drawing, making the horse and rider almost seem to pop out of the page.