 |
SEVENTEEN SEVENTY SIX
Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 inches, 1990
(Private collection, Longwood, Florida)
|
|
This painting was commissioned by a collector who is a specialist in American history; it was important to place just one or two "personal" touches in the composition, otherwise making it historically as accurate as possible. Preparing sketches for the painting, the artist came up with an idea to depict an imaginary clash between the British and American forces in 1776. The composition could be called "The Ambush" because it shows a small detachment of British cavalry being ambushed by American volunteers led by an American general. The details of the uniforms (both British and American), the cannon, the rifles, and the clothing of the volunteers are all based on historical research. In the background, the Independence Hall is contributing to the overall historical feeling of the painting, but should not be considered a hint at the actual location of the skirmish. Finally, the balloon with an American flag adds to the atmosphere since it features stars indicating the original rebellious colonies.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |