I chose this picture because the landscape is an integral part of this piece. The sea is a large part of this piece and its contrast to the burning sun speaks volumes. Further examination of the landscape will help to reveal the true meaning behind the piece and the authors thoughts at the time. The ocean is a majority of the piece and is the part that sun burns into.
Hiawatha was a fictional Native American leader that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote about. The painting was based on this piece and Hiawatha's life will be an important piece to study, it may explain why the contrast between sea and sun are so powerful. The events leading around the time may also prove to be useful when examining the pieces significance and connection with the interest in this story. This time in the US there were battles between americans and native americans, the piece could be the authors commentary on that.
During this time in the United States the army was attacking the native tribes. There were a number of battles that occurred such as Custer's last stand, the Red River Wars, and countless others. Further examination of the Song of Hiawatha may reveal which battle the painting is about in particular. From first glance I believe the sun is one side prevailing over the other which is represented by the roughness of the sea.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is the author of Song of Hiawatha and his connection to the piece is important. The painting as previously stated was based upon this story and a connection between the artist and this author may be something that has influenced the piece. Also further examination of Longfellow's life may lead to some insight as to why the landscape looks as it does. Maybe this piece has a deeper meaning than just being a commentary on a story.
This is an example of Luminism which is the period that the painting I am studying was made. It uses landscapes and lighting in order to create commentary on a specific topic. Further exploration of similar pieces and pieces made in that time frame may reveal some things about the piece I am studying.
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