Centennial of the Battle of Bennington 1878

Editor: This bronze sculpture, titled "Centennial of the Battle of Bennington", was created by George Hampden Lovett in 1878. It feels very official and commemorative. The profile view, almost like on a coin, emphasizes a kind of stoic formality. What’s your read on this piece? Curator: This work definitely speaks to the 19th-century interest in memorializing national heroes. Consider the Centennial – that's a key historical moment when the nation reflected on its founding. Sculptures like this become tools for solidifying national identity and values. Do you see how the profile resembles those on ancient Roman coins? Editor: I do, actually! The profile view, the clear lettering – it’s meant to evoke that sense of timeless authority. It almost feels like propaganda in a way. Curator: Precisely! Think about the Metropolitan Museum of Art itself, where this resides. Institutions like the Met were being founded precisely to enshrine and promote a particular version of American history and culture. These weren't neutral spaces; they were actively shaping public memory and civic identity. It’s more than just a sculpture, it’s a statement about power, remembrance and nationhood. Editor: So it’s less about pure artistry and more about constructing a national narrative? Curator: Not exclusively, but the artistic choices were undeniably influenced by socio-political goals. An artist working on a commission like this would've been deeply aware of that historical and cultural context. The visual language serves the political message, solidifying the legacy of Washington. What do you make of that now? Editor: It reframes the artwork for me entirely! It's a really potent reminder that art is always communicating something beyond just what’s visible on the surface. Curator: Exactly. And understanding the social and institutional context is key to unlocking that communication.