Assign Mine
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Kabianga *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
100
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by GrandFlagHerring34
1.
Choose
two cultural works
that catch your attention. Identify the
name of each cultural work and describe why you chose each one.
Share a link for each.
The first cultural work that caught my attention is the painting of The Girl I Left Behind Me by Eastman
Johnson. This painting can be found in the link:
https://www.si.edu/object/girl-i-left-behind-
me:saam_1986.79
. I selected this item because it features a lone young woman walking in harsh wind as
shown by her wind-blown hair and clothing. The girl can be seen carrying a book and wearing a wedding
ring. She seems determined to go forward in spite of the wind and weather. Looking at the girl’s wedding
ring and the title of the painting, I couldn’t help but wonder who might have left her behind.
The other cultural work that I couldn’t help admire was the image of a marble sculpture by artist
Edmonia Lewis depicting The Death of Cleopatra. This item can be found in the link:
https://www.si.edu/object/death-cleopatra:saam_1994.17
. I have always been in awe of sculptors who
can make marble look like fabric, as Edmonia does in this sculpture. However, it is how the artist portrays
Cleopatra's death—like a theatrical staged nap—that truly drew me to this particular piece.
2.
Compare your chosen works. How do you think each cultural
work
reflects its time period
? Point to specific details that you see to
relate them to elements of culture, such as what is valuable or
meaningful to a group of people or what elements reflect history,
beliefs, experiences, or other effects of culture.
Both ‘The Girl I left Behind Me’ and ‘The death of Cleopatra’
reflect their time periods and tap into
elements of the cultures in which they were created
. The Death of Cleopatra alludes to ancient
history and the 19
th
century fascination with classical mythology while The Girl I Left Behind Me
examines the aftermath of the 19
th
century civil war in the United States. The title “The Girl I left Behind
Me” is borrowed from an old Irish ballad that was a favorite regimental anthem during the American
Civil War (#quote 1). The painting depicts a young woman gazing over a divided and cloudy countryside
from the end of her path. According to (#quote 2), this painting reflects the uncertainty that the United
States experienced following the Civil War. The girl may symbolize a young nation in mourning as it
attempted to move forward after the war. Just like the United States, this girl moves forward calmly,
resolutely facing the headwinds in front of her despite all she may have lost along her path.
The Death of Cleopatra by Edmonia Lewis on the other hand, reflects a broader historical narrative in
which Cleopatra, the ancient Egyptian queen, is shown in the moment of her death. The depiction of
Cleopatra in the art work emphasizes both her bravery and her authority as a historical character. She is
seen in her royal clothing, in regal repose on a throne, with her body winding and arching dramatically as
she dies. The neoclassical style of art that was popular at the time, as well as Edmonia Lewis' own
African-American roots had an influence on this cultural work (#quote 10).
My question is: What does The Girl I Left Behind Me by Eastman Johnson tell us about the nature of
war? To research this question, I would begin by looking into Johnson's background and artistic career, as
well as the style and contexts of his paintings, in order to understand how his work reflects the American
Civil War. I would then use keywords such as “American Civil War”, “19
th
century civil war”, and “Eastman
Johnson” to search for relevant publications and sources. Additionally, I would consult cultural experts,
such as historians and art critics, to gain insight into Johnson’s paintings and how his work reflects the
American Civil War.
My question is: What does The Girl I Left Behind Me by Eastman Johnson tell us about the
nature of war? To research this question, I would begin by looking into Johnson's background
and artistic career, as well as the style and contexts of his paintings, in order to understand how
his work reflects the American Civil War. I would then use keywords such as “American Civil
War”, “19
th
century civil war”, and “Eastman Johnson” to search for relevant publications and
sources. Additionally, I would consult cultural experts, such as historians and art critics, to gain
insight into Johnson’s paintings and how his work reflects the American Civil War.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help