How Can Art Convey History?

Historical context:

• Identify the historical event portrayed in the painting.

• Find more information about the event itself. What happened? When? Where? Why? How? Why is this a significant historical event?

• How accurate does the artist depict the event? Are the details, people, and surroundings true to historical accounts, or has the artist taken liberties?

• Research the artist's background and potential biases. Artists may interpret events based on their personal, political, or cultural viewpoints.

Artistic techniques:

How does the artist convey the message of the image? Consider all or some of the following:

• Composition: Examine how the elements of the painting are arranged. What is included and what is left out of the image? Where are the different people placed? In the foreground? Background? Centre? Why has the artist made these choices? Is there a focal point? This can indicate what the artist views as important.

• Lighting and contrasts: Are certain figures illuminated while others are placed in the shadow? What might this contrast tell you about the importance or morality of those figures? Do colour contrasts in the painting create a certain mood or highlight differences between opposing ideas?

• Colour palettes: Which colours are used in the image? Bright, warm colours might evoke heroism or optimism, while darker tones could imply tragedy or mourning. Does the painter want you to form an opinion about the characters, based on the colours that are used?

• Symbolism: Look for symbols that may represent ideas, ideologies, or larger concepts. Flags, gestures, colours, and various objects might carry symbolic meaning that adds depth to the historical narrative.

• Facial expressions and body language: Observe how the figures are depicted emotionally. Are they solemn, triumphant, suffering? This can reflect how the event affected people or how the artist wants the event to be emotionally interpreted.

Interpretation and message:

What can you read out of the image?

• What story is the painting telling us about the historical event? Is it glorifying, criticising, or neutral in its portrayal?

• What is the message of the image? Is the painting meant to inspire nationalism, justify war, or convey a moral lesson? Would we, today, understand the message in the same way as it was originally intended by the artist?

• What does the image tell us about the time and society in which it was created?

• What impact or effect does this image have today? How does it affect you?

Norman Rockwell (1894–1978) was an American painter and illustrator whose works are closely associated with American cultural heritage. He mostly portrayed charming, whimsical, and innocent scenes from everyday life. However, while Rockwell's early works typically avoided overt political commentary, The Problem We All Live With directly engages with a critical moment in American history.

1. What is the story behind this painting? Who is the girl? Why is she guarded by four US marshals? And why is this a pivotal moment in American history?

2. What artistic techniques does Rockwell use to convey the message of the painting? You may want to consider the use of colours and contrasts, the composition of the image, and the placement of the different people.

3. What is the message of the painting? How does this painting make you feel? What does it tell you about the society in which it was created?

Paul Delaroche (1797–1856) was a French painter known for his highly detailed and dramatic historical scenes. He gained significant fame in the 19th century for his ability to depict intense emotional moments with a strong sense of realism and narrative. His works were often large-scale history paintings that portrayed important events or tragic moments from European history.

This piece depicts the execution of Lady Jane Grey, England's shortest-reigning monarch. The painting is 246 x 297 cm in size and it can be found in the National Gallery in London.

1. Find out more about the background of this image. Who was Lady Jane Grey? Why was she executed? Who was responsible for her death? Was she guilty of a crime? Do you think the painting is true to historical accounts?

2. How does Delaroche convey the message of this art work? Which colours are used? Do they have a symbolic meaning? Where are the different characters placed in the frame of the picture? Is this a coincidence? What could you say about their body language? Are there any contrasts that should be mentioned?

3. What do you think Delaroche is trying to tell us through this painting? What emotions does this painting evoke in you? What does this painting tell us about the time in which Lady Jane Grey lived?

Walter Charles Horsley (1855–1934) is best known for his military and historical paintings. They often depict romanticised scenes of British military life and of the British Empire. He was, like most other artist at the time, influenced by an imperialist mindset, and his art reflected many of the cultural norms of the the time. One of Horsley's notable works is A Friendly Power in Egypt, which depicts a British military presence in Egypt during the late 19th century.

1. What do you know about the British Empire in general? Find out more about the British colonisation of Egypt. How long did it last? How did the occupation affect Egypt’s political, social, and economic development?

2. How does Horsley convey the message of this painting? What colours are used? Is the use of colours coincidential? Are there any contrasts that should be pointed out? Where are people placed in the picture? Why?

3. What is the message of this image? How do we perceive the painting today, over 100 years after it was created? Do we understand the picture differently today? What emotions does this image evoke in you?

John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was an American artist, widely considered one of the leading portrait painters of his time. However, around the beginning of the century he turned his artistic attention to landscapes and murals (large-scale paintings created directly on walls or ceilings). During World War I, he was commissioned by the British War Memorials Committee to document the war. After a visit to the Western Front, he painted Gassed. This large-scale painting (236 x 320 cm) can today be found in the Imperial War Museum in London.

1. Find out more about World War 1. When was it? Who were involved in the war? Who won and who lost? Where did the heaviest fighting take place? What was trench war fare? How was gas used as a weapon?

2. How does Sargent communicate his message? How are the soldiers portrayed? Which colours are used? Why? In the background, there is a football match taking place. Why do you think Sargant added that to the painting? This picture is very large (236 x 320 cm). Do you think that the sheer size of it will add to your understanding of the image?

3. What do you think is the message that Sargent wants to convey to you through this image? In 1919, this painting was voted picture of the year by the Royal Academy of Arts. Why do you think that is? What emotions does this painting evoke in you? What does the painting tell us about the brutality of war?

Robert Lindneux (1881 – 1970) was an American painter and illustrator known for his paintings depicting the American West. Lindneux’s art often focused on capturing the rugged spirit of the frontier, and he was particularly recognised for his historical depictions of the westward expansion and his portrayals of significant events like the Trail of Tears.

1. Find out more about the background for this painting. In general, how have Native Americans been treated in the United States? What was the Indian Removal Act? What was the Trail of Tears? Who were involved in the Trail of Tears? How many died during this march?

2. How does Lindneux present the people in the painting? Look at facial expressions, garments and their equipment. How would you describe the landscape and the weather? Does this add to your understanding of the message of the painting? Comment on the use of colours and contrasts. Why do you think he has used so many details?

3. What do you think Lindneux wants to express through his painting? What is the mood of this image? What feeling does it convey in you? What does the image tell you about the situation for Native Americans during this time period?

Emanuel Leutze was a renowned German-American painter famous for his historical and patriotic works that capture the spirit of 19th-century American nationalism. Born in Württemberg, Germany in 1816, he immigrated to the United States as a child but later returned to Europe to study at the Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts. While still in Germany, Leutze painted Washington Crossing the Delaware, drawing inspiration from the American Revolution. The painting is now displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

1. Find out more about the American Revolution. When did it take place? What was the situation before and after the revolution? What role did general George Washington play during and after the revolution?

2. How does Leutze communicate his message? What is your impression of General George Washington and the soldiers? How is the painting composed? Comment on the use of colours, contrasts, and light and shadow. Do you think the painting is true to historical accounts?

3. What do you think Emanuel Leutze wants to express through this painting? How is the notion of patriotism and nationalism conveyed? At the time it was painted, what impact do you think this image had on people? What is the mood of the image? How does it affect you?