Early American Art

Neoclassical Architecture John James Audobon Thomas Cole George Caitlin Matthew Brady

Neoclassical Architecture

Means “new” classical, and refers to architecture that is inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

Symmetrical Shape Tall columns Triangular pediments Domed roof

Classical vs. Neoclassical

John James Audobon

Wildlife and bird artist. Influenced by natural

beauty of native animals.

Wrote and illustrated, “Birds of America”, and “The American Woodsman”.

Thomas Cole

European that moved to New York.

Famous for painting landscapes.

Influenced from European movement called Romanticism.

Was a member of the Hudson River School.

Thomas Cole

Ruined Tower

Thomas Cole

(1801-1848)Oil on composition board, c. 1832-36AIHA Collection

George Caitlin

Set out to paint every group of Native Americans.

Gave up his job as a lawyer to paint.

Congress rejected his paintings but Europe treasured the rarity of the artwork.

George Caitlin

Matthew Brady

19th Century photographer that captured images from Civil War.

Traveled with the Union.

Recorded the lives, deaths, and battles of soldiers.

Matthew Brady