American Art

Discussion Forum: Images of George Washington 

             Both Greenough and Houdon presented important artwork that appealed to Americans during the 18th century. The statue of Washington in the works of Greenough and Houdon display similarities.  For example, the artists present Washington as an American political model, they capture his likeness, the images describe him as a champion, authoritarian, powerful, brave, and a strong man (Zygmont, 2019).   For examples, there are images where both artists present Washington in a contemporary attire and holding a walking cane to symbolize a private citizen.  Other images are made of bronze, and his facial expression is fatherly or in other words, he is presented as a man with paternal qualities such as kind, protective, and affectionate (Zygmont, 2019). In generally, Washington is presented as a symbol of authority, and a Roman dictator.  The artists also focused on the classical idealism in painting the images to show Washington's beliefs and values in building society. However, there are some differences in how the artists present the images of George Washington. For example,   Houdon present Washington as a hero whereas Greenough presents him as a god.  For example in the 1788-92 statute in Richmond, Virginia, Washington is in military uniform and holds a  military sword to symbolize his power and strength (Zygmont, 2019). On the other hand, in 1840 statue, Greenough presents Washington as a god in Greek attire as a symbol of emancipation.

 Response to classmates' opinion (Heather Gloster)

 I agree with your opinion that Both Greenough and Houdon present Washington as a significant historical figure. They remind the Americans his role in America's Revolutionary War and they also adopt a common style known as neoclassical style.  In presenting Washington, they focus on Enlightenment ideas to show Washington's authority, legitimacy, and his role in building a better society. I also support the idea that these traditional images are better than contemporary art images (Zygmont, 2019).   In the past, artists presented realistic things, unlike today where artists do not represent realist thing and make it hard to understand the meaning of the artwork.

Discussion Forum: Identity and Culture

            Culture and group identity are related in that culture encompass ways of life and these ways of life or in other words, ideas and feelings are socially constructed (Livesey  & Lawson, 2008).  Identity is formed by embracing all principles or norms that a particular group has formed.  Thus, culture and identity are linked in that one forms a sense of belonging and follows social behavior through collective knowledge.  Culture is essential as it is the source of identity. In other words,  culture or the way of life helps people build relationships,   gains nationality, understand respective ethnicity,  understands the moral character, and understand own gender, among other important things (Livesey  & Lawson, 2008).  Culture, which is made of values, beliefs and practices help one form identity or in other words, helps the members of the particular group understand the acceptable behavior, guidelines, and what is expected from them.  I identify with the cultural background of the Native Americans and I am proud of our cultural lifestyle, customs, and beliefs.  The Native American culture is important in that first, it is shaped my personal identity (Livesey & Lawson, 2008).  Through the pattern of behaviors in this culture,   I formed gender identity, I understand my religion and beliefs, and I understand ceremonies and customs and all these have helped in building a sense of belonging.

 

Response to classmates' opinion (Paradyce Reed)

 I agree with your opinion that culture and group identity are related and they go hand in hand.  Culture helps individuals build identity through learning various ways of life such as values, beliefs, customs, food, and more.  Culture is socially constructed or in other words, it creates beliefs and practices and these ways of life help the members develop a sense of belonging and build an identity.

 

 

 

References 

Zygmont  ryan. ( 2019). Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington.  smarthistory. Retrieved from: https://smarthistory.org/houdon-george-washington/

  Livesey. Chris., & Lawson Tony.  (2008). AS Sociology For AQA [2nd Edition]. Retrieved from: http://www.sociology.org.uk/notes/AS4AQA_identity_v2_2.pdf