History Paintings from the Lafayette College Art Collection

Nov. 5 – Dec. 16, 2007

“History paintings” depict events of particular significance to the artist’s society, intended to embody some interpretation of life or convey a moral or intellectual message. Painters offered a mythologized vision of their subjects to inspire patriotism and nostalgia in their contemporary viewers, rather than accurate visual records. Lafayette’s art collection, including the Kirby Collection of Historical Paintings, contains a number of fine examples of the genre.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue and lecture by guest curator Dr. Barbara J. Mitnick, a noted authority on American history painting.

lecture: Monday November 12, Williams Center 108, 4:10 p.m., reception to follow.
press release

Illustrated catalogue with essay by Mitnick available.