How could I possibly have missed this special exhibition, and the accompanying website, on paintings that tell American Stories? Looks like it has a lot to offer.
The exhibition is divided into four parts:
Inventing American Stories: 1765–1830 (13 works)
Stories for the Public: 1830–1860 (28 works)
Stories of War and Reconciliation: 1860–1877 (24 works)
Cosmopolitan and Candid Stories: 1877–1915 (38 works)
As just one example, have a look at Tea Leaves, 1909, by William McGregor Paxton. You'll need to use the large version, of course.
For an especially nice detail, you could try this: go to Francis William Edmonds' painting The New Bonnet (1858), enlarge it, and check out the great produce in the lower right corner. Makes me want to eat!
Note: This exhibition reminds me of two other online exhibitions devoted to Americana: Picturing America (at the NEH) and Seeing America (actually a book published by RIT).
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