Pick one of the following works for discussion of a theme present in the Week 1, Ch. 5 and 6 readings:
- The sculptures commemorating the Haymarket Square incident
- The Statue of Liberty
- The Court of Honor or "White City" of the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition of 1893
- Mary Cassatt's Modern Woman
- Henry Tanner Ossawa's The Banjo Lesson
- A painting or print by John Sloan
Talk about the theme (subject) of the work and address the following in a 700- to 1,050 note
- What is the context in which the work was created? How was it reflective of the social changes underway during this era?
- What was the subject or message of the work, and why was it important to the artist to create? What ideas or points of view was the artist communicating with their work?
- How was the work representative of the values of either the Gilded Age or the Ashcan School artists?
APA guidelines
Below is an example
Shifting Views of America Assignment
The statue of liberty was a gift from the French people commemorating the alliance of France and the United States during the American revolution. Yet it represented much more for individuals. Edouard de Laboulaye a historian, professor of law, and chairman of the French Anti-Slavery Society, believed whole-heartedly in the "common law of free people". Laboulayehoped that by calling attention to the recent achievements of the United States, it would inspire the French people to create their own democracy. To turn his dream into a reality Laboulayetalked to Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor who not only was chosen to be the monuments sculptor but also greatly supported Laboulaye's idea.
In 1865, Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that the monument be built as a gift from France to the United States to commemorate the perseverance of freedom and democracy in the United States. The statue of liberty is reflective of the social changes happening in this era, because America was growing and offering the "American Dream" to individuals. During this era immigrates from different countries were moving to the US to escape poverty, oppression, war, and to achieve their own "American Dream". Both Bartholdi and Laboulaye wanted the statue to be seen as peacefully, lawfully, and lighting the way(National Park Service, n.d.). Giving it the name "Liberty Enlightening the World" (National Park Service, n.d.).
The statue of liberty was meant first as a gift that would commemorate the relationship between France and America. It also would help inspire the French to create their own democracy and become aware that freedom and liberty were possible in their country also. Similar to Laboulaye, Bartholdi wanted to "try to glorify the Republic and liberty in the United States in hopes that someday he would find it again in France" (PBS, 1985). Ultimately leading to what is known as the French Revolution. Liberty Enlightening the World would be above conservatism and liberalism and above radical revolutions and political turmoil (National Park Service, n.d.). It would be an international symbol for liberty, justice, freedom, and democracy(National Park Service, n.d.).
When Bartholdi first entered New York by ship, it was then he knew where the statue of liberty would stand. Bartholdi said, "If there is any place on earth that needs light, it is certainly New York" (PBS,1985). The New York Harbor was also where the immigrants from different countries coming into America would enter the US, docking at Ellis Island. In 1871 the statue was completed, it not only represented democracy but also symbolized American independence which is written on the tablet she holds.
The statue of liberty is the mother of exiles greeting the millions of immigrants coming to America (EDSitement, 2010). It represents the united states itself (EDSITEment, 2010). It represented the Gilded Age because it was not only grand in scale but also covered in copper. The statue of liberty represented freedom and hope to the millions of immigrants that came to America for opportunity and shelter (Bigler, n.d.). The shackles on the statue of liberty represent America breaking chains of tyranny and accepting democracy as a viable form of government (Bigler, n.d.).
The Gilded Age was a time of growth in the United States. The industrial industry was growing rapidly, and the population was doubling with people immigrating to this country with the promise of freedom and success. Mark Twain named the late 19thcentury the "Gilded Age", meaning that the period was glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath. The Statue of Liberty gave the impression of hope, to those coming to America. It gives no reference to the urban reality in which the Ashcan school artist portrayed in their paintings.
As stated before the statue of liberty was a gift from the France. Over the years it has had countless of meanings to people all over the world. The Statue of Liberty "Enlightening the World" is above all conservatism, above liberalism, and political turmoil. It not only represents freedom, hope, liberty, and justice, but also will embody hope and opportunity for those coming to America seeking a better life.