The County Election 1852

George Caleb Bingham painted this scene of "The County Election" using oil on canvas; humble materials that nonetheless evoke the grand tradition of history painting. But rather than depicting a battle or coronation, Bingham shows us a moment of American democracy in action. Look closely, and you'll see how Bingham uses the materiality of paint to capture the spirit of the event. He uses a smooth, even application of paint to create a sense of order and clarity, but also allows for moments of expressive brushwork to capture the individuality of the figures. The men are rendered in distinct detail, emphasizing their diverse roles, from the candidates on the platform to the common voters. The overall effect is one of both participation and disarray. And here's the real point, Bingham has deliberately blurred the lines between high art and everyday life. The choice of oil paint, traditionally associated with fine art, elevates a scene of common political engagement. In doing so, he affirmed the significance of ordinary people, and their participation in the democratic process.