Flags on the friar's club 1918

Childe Hassam made this oil on canvas painting in 1918, and it's titled Flags on the Friar's Club. Here, we see Hassam’s distinct impressionist style, capturing a moment in New York City during World War I, with American flags prominently displayed. These flags were not merely decorative. They were powerful symbols of patriotism, and the war effort. The decision to paint these flags is interesting in itself, considering the role of artists in shaping public sentiment. Hassam's choice reflects a pro-war sentiment, aligning with the prevailing mood of the time and he did a series of paintings on the theme of flags in Manhattan. As art historians, we must consider the socio-political context. Resources such as newspapers, political pamphlets, and even government propaganda can help us understand the deeper meanings embedded in artworks like this. This kind of research helps reveal the ways in which art is always contingent on social and institutional forces.