This week you have learned about how Neo-Classicism became associated with U.S. democracy and the American ideal of the “land of the free,” even as large numbers of enslaved African women and men worked on the plantations throughout the colonies. Moreover, masterpieces of American Neo-Classical architecture, such as the University of Virginia Campus and Monticello, both designed by Thomas Jefferson, depended on enslaved workers. As one of my former professors put it, “the land of the free was the home of the enslaved.”
In addition to Jefferson’s architectural projects, the homes of other founding fathers similarly reveal this paradox of American freedom. Mount Vernon, the family home and plantation of George and Martha Washington, is another example of how democratic values coexisted with the exploitation and commodification of people of African descent. Watch “The Enslaved of Washington at Mount Vernon” to learn more about the role that enslaved peoples played in the life and economy of the Washingtons. Then, carefully observe and zoom in on the following paintings:
Fill out the visual analysis chart.
Consider the following questions and address all the questions one by one in approximately 150 words.
How is this work speaking to Washington’s association with American Democracy and his role in the Revolutionary War?
How does this painting make reference to the Washington’s affluence and family values? Are they depicted respectfully or critically?
How is the Washingtons’ relationship to American land portrayed in this work?
Do these paintings make reference to the Washingtons’ connection to and participation in the institution of slavery?
Are there any individuals of African descent present in this image? If yes, is their presence emphasized or diminished? Is this painting critical of slavery in any measure?
Visual Analysis
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| Composition (balance, symmetry, etc.) | |
| Naturalism/stylization/
abstraction |
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