The Industrial Revolution and Art

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, as a result of a radical restructuring of the society on the economic, social and emotional levels, the industrial revolution inspired the rise of romanticism in American art. By reviewing some famous works of art such as George Caleb Bingham's "Watching the Cargo," it shows how changes triggered by the industrial revolution led to the discovery of the American landscape and the democratization of art.

From the Paper:

"During the late nineteenth century, apart from paintings that imitated European sophistication, the American paintings possessed a folksy quality that attempted to recapture the nostalgic past in response to its destruction by the Industrial Revolution (Lynes 40-41). Thomas Hovenden's "Breaking Home Ties" was one of the most popular pictures on display at the 1893 fair in Chicago. In this painting, a young man leaves his family and home to seek fame and fortune. In the background are five other distraught relatives living in a wooden house. The impression projected is of a traditional rural household. This painting presents one of the most enduring themes in American folklore and is depicted in American arts (Gowans 242). It is another reflection of the impact of the underlying effects of Industrial Revolution: young people are forced to leave home to seek greater fortunes as traditional occupations can no longer provide adequate income for the household (Garrett 25-27)."

More papers on The Industrial Revolution and Art:

• Research Paper # 51266 : "The Industrial Revolution and Beyond"
• Essay # 42227 : "Art and the Industrial Revolution"
• Analytical Essay # 14896 : "Industrialization and American Art"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: