Very powerful painting

[SummerSnow]

Last edited Tue Jul 15, 2014, 09:06 PM - Edit history (1)

Painting: Watch Meeting - Waiting for the Hour, December 31, 1862

Oil painting by William Tolman Carlton depicts slaves waiting for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect. The original hangs in the White House, in the room where President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.


The painting, done in 1863 by William Tolman Carlton, shows a group of African American men, women and children and one white woman, waiting for the clock to strike midnight -- the hour that the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect. The focus of the painting is a white-haired African American man holding a watch.

The storied painting contains symbolic elements such as a watch, capturing the essence of waiting and time; an anchor and a cross, both symbols of hope; an American flag, to signify the new nation; and the title of the Emancipation Proclamation and date painted across a long chain that underscores the length of the painting, to symbolize freedom and broken chains of bondage.

http://www.examiner.com/article/waiting-for-the-hour-art-tells-pivotal-story-american-history

[brer cat]

1. I can't even begin to imagine

the emotions in that room. Very powerful painting, indeed, SummerSnow. Thanks for posting.

[1StrongBlackMan]

2. Notice two things ...

Notice who is carrying the American flag (viewers left). And Notice who is holding up the torch ... the light (viewers right).

Actually, I can't claim the insight ... BabyGirl 1SBM pointed it out when we saw it back in 2009 ... she was 12 years old!

[SummerSnow]

3. Hmm, interesting observation

[sarge43]

5. The composition heightens the effect

The mass of figures forms a triangle with the torch at its highest point. The flag and its bearer with his back turned outside the triangle not yet part of it, but preparing to be included. The flag the one touch of vivid primary colors within the composition of subtle browns and golds. The printer gave great thought and care to this work.

[SummerSnow]

7. Notice the white lady holding the baby. She is sharing their joy and anticipation.

[1StrongBlackMan]

8. Yes! ...

The flag and its bearer with his back turned outside the triangle not yet part of it, but preparing to be included.

And notice the people of the back room (and the hopeful/longing expression) ... the room with a hole in the roof (i.e., gross disrepair) and darkness.

Yes, the artist gave great thought and care to this work.

[toby jo]

4. Glad it's hanging in that room, that's cool.

[DeSwiss]

6. K&R!