Cyrus Tiffany in the Battle of Lake Erie, September 13, 1813 1943

Curator: Martyl Langsdorf painted this scene titled "Cyrus Tiffany in the Battle of Lake Erie, September 13, 1813" in 1943. It captures a pivotal moment in naval history. Editor: My immediate reaction is the sense of movement—the choppy waves, the straining rowers—it feels like a raw, urgent moment. The light is dramatic, almost theatrical. Curator: Absolutely. The artwork was done during World War II, and I believe it connects to broader historical themes. Notice how the romanticism of the past serves a purpose in bolstering national identity and morale during a global conflict. Editor: I am intrigued by the texture of the piece. The artist seems to have worked the oil paint quite expressively, almost emphasizing the physicality of the materials used to depict a historical event. The worn wood of the boat...the coarse fabric of the sailors' garments—all have such presence. It calls attention to the laborers of the past. Curator: Indeed. The social context is essential. Although focusing on Cyrus Tiffany, who was an officer, the painting incorporates other sailors and, strikingly, shows a racially diverse crew during a period marked by profound social inequities, highlighting that their contribution also influenced American naval triumph in the Battle of Lake Erie. This representation challenges conventional historical narratives. Editor: Yes! This perspective adds layers, thinking about who controls the historical narratives, and who is written out, or perhaps rowed out, of the history books. This artwork complicates the grand narratives, drawing attention to labor and its representations, even through the materials used to make the art. Curator: Reflecting on Langsdorf’s historical depiction, it makes you consider the weight of portraying the past and how its meaning evolves based on current socio-political forces. Editor: And for me, looking at how it’s crafted, highlights not just what is depicted, but how artistic labor intersects with those grand historical themes we often read about.