This exhibition explores the relationship between art and religion in America by presenting an overview of the variety and extent of scripturally related paintings from the colonial era through the eve of the Civil War. These works included examples of history painting, landscape, portraiture, genre painting, and fancy pieces. Americans experienced this art in a variety of ways ranging from public exhibitions of the paintings to reproductions in primers, Bibles, gift books, and magazines. Despite the diversity of artistic expressions and venues, paintings of scriptural subject matter comprised a distinct area of endeavor. They deserve to be understood within their historical context and more fully integrated into the study of American art.
Curated by Carol Soltis, 2005.
Resources
Intersections: Scriptures, Prints and Paintings in Antebellum America
