Friday, December 25, 2015

Paintings of the American West, continued. Merry Christmas! December 25, 2015

             The Peacemaker by Ernest Blumenschein

Dover Publications, Inc. Minola, New York.  120 Great Paintings of the American West
Continuing to feature Art of the American West, this painting by Ernest Blumenschein, 1913 depicts two warring chiefs with a symbolic peacemaker in the foreground.  Did this painting symbolize the conflict in Europe?  It was thought that the small child represented the uncertain future of both the Indian nations and the world at large.

Mr. Blumenschein was a part of the Taos, New Mexico  Society of Artists (see my previous blog, under "T," Ernest Blumenschein is the artist on the left in the photo. There are many, many references to him on the web and several books are available.  The Taos artists as they painted the Native Americans, became involved in the Native's struggles to maintain their culture and independence.

To end this turbulent year, I thought this painting was appropriate.  "Blessed are the Peacemakers. . . ."

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11 comments:

  1. JoDecember 25, 2015 at 11:04 AM

    I like it Natalie. As you say, Blessed are the Peacemakers. Hope your Christmas is wonderful.

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  2. JoJoDecember 25, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    Merry Christmas Natalie! I hope for peace in the new year....

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  3. loverofwordsDecember 25, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    Christmas Greetings to both Jo, and Jo Jo, the three Jo's. Rest, relax and enjoy your families and friends and let's all keep in touch.

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  4. Hilary Melton-ButcherDecember 28, 2015 at 2:51 AM

    Hi Nat - interesting to see this art work - and Ernest Blumenschein was very clever - music and art ... as he'd spent time in Paris - I guess the art could have foretold the future of struggles in Europe. The Taos artists must have influenced a great many decisions in life - re the Indians and maintaining their culture and independence as far as was possible.

    Brilliant choice - and introducing us to a new artist ... and reminding us of the struggles of American native Indians ...

    I hope you had a peaceful and happy Christmas and with thoughts for the New Year - cheers Hilary

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    1. loverofwordsDecember 28, 2015 at 6:25 PM

      The more I research these artists, the more I learn. Mr. Blumenschein was a concert violinist as well. Ah, those multi-talented people; the Taos artists did understand so well the eventual plight of the Native Americans. Peace, such an elusive goal.

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  5. IngerDecember 28, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    Peace for you too in the coming year.

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    1. loverofwordsDecember 28, 2015 at 6:27 PM

      Thank you, Inger. "Bless the Beasts and the Children," too.

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    2. loverofwordsDecember 28, 2015 at 6:27 PM

      Thank you, Inger. "Bless the Beasts and the Children," too.

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  6. bazzaDecember 29, 2015 at 3:10 AM

    Yes, this painting seems to be brimming with symbolism. One could invent a whole back-story from the picture!
    All the best to you Natasha for 2016.

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  7. loverofwordsJanuary 2, 2016 at 7:56 AM

    So true. I wonder what it would have been like to be part of the Taos group?

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  8. loverofwordsJanuary 2, 2016 at 7:56 AM

    So true. I wonder what it would have been like to be part of the Taos group?

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