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Essay / Exploring Literary and Artistic Reflections of the Gilded Age
Table of ContentsMaggieLooking BackRichard Morris HuntThe BreakersHenry Hobson RichardsonThomas Crane Memorial LibraryLouis SullivanSullivan CenterJohn Singer SargentPortrait of Madame XJames McNeill WhistlerNocturne in Black and Gold - The Falling RocketMary CassattPetite girl in a blue armchairWinslow HomerBreezing Up (A Fair Wind) Albert Pinkham Ryder Seacoast in Moonlight Democratic Vistas by Walt Whitman is a pamphlet consisting of three essays on Whitman's ideas on the role of democracy in establishing a new foundation cultural of America. The author describes how heroism and honor were lost by Americans, criticizing materialism within society. In order to improve society, Whitmn suggests a return to Jeffersonian-Jacksonian democracy and the application of a more spiritual aspect within the community as well. The pamphlet is often criticized for its unrealism and naivety, but it continues to be used to identify Whitman's philosophy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayMaggieA Girl of the Streets by Stephen Crane is a short story about a family that has been consumed by the corruption of drugs and alcohol, leading to the mistreatment of the only child who was able to escape the temptations of the city. With the girl, Maggie decides to be with her boyfriend, she is abandoned by her family, and ultimately by the boyfriend himself. For this reason, Maggie has no choice but to become a prostitute in an attempt to survive on her own. Unable to support herself, Maggie is found dead in the street. The play addresses a very unpopular issue of its time, the unsavory part of urban New York. Crane describes the New York he observed as inhabited by drunken, desperate, poor, and corrupt people within the state. Looking Backward2000 to 1887 by Edward Bellamy is a novel about a character, Julian West, who is part of the elite class. of the 19th century who goes into a deep sleep only to wake up in the 20th century. During his time in the future, Julian begins to understand how much society is wrong and how unfair it is in the 19th century. Julian realizes how much society needs to improve its potential from its current state. This influential novel depicts the major divide between the rich and the poor, with the rich seeing themselves as superior to others and finding the beatings of the working class to be insignificant and disgusting. Bellamy identifies the perfect society of the United States as the antithesis of the society in which he lived. The author attempts to educate readers about the corruption of their society and what that could be through social change, by introducing Bellamy's ideology called "nationalism". “The Rise of Silas Laphamb by Wiliam Dean Howells is about a man, Silas Lapham, who wants his daughter to marry into the aristocratic Corey family to gain the social prominence the Laphams never knew. Silas makes a fortune from his painting business due to his greed, opportunism, and driving ambition. Silas's daughter has a love triangle as Silas struggles with his moral integrity, giving up everything to succeed. Towards the end of the novel, Silas attempts to redeem himself, causing him to lose his business, and his daughter's love story ends when her lover reveals his love for her sister. Together, Silas and his daughter help each other try to save the company the right way and redeem themselves. The novel reveals Howells' thoughts on society and art. Howell attempts to describe the priorities of Americans during this period, obviously being materialistic. A Connecticut YankeeIn the Court of King Arthur by Mark Twain is a novel about a Yankee, Hank Morgan, who time travels to Britain in the Dark Ages, depicting the comparison between monarchy and democratic values. Hank suddenly wakes up in a weapons factory in England and is subsequently captured and taken to Camelot, where he is exposed before King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. The Yankee must attempt to both adapt to this new lifestyle and instill more democratic principles by working, falling in love, and trying to improve the lives of those less fortunate.Richard Morris HuntThe BreakersBiltmoreRichard Morris Hunt has established the manner and traditions of the French Beaux-Arts in the United States. Hunt's architecture varied greatly in style and building types. He was greatly influenced by his training as a Parisian architect, as well as European design styles, notably Renaissance art. Over time, Hunt established an ostentatious style of architecture for the grand homes of the era's eccentric billionaires. Henry Hobson Richardson Thomas Crane Memorial Library Robert Treat Paine House Henry Hobson Richardson developed a unique view of the revival movements of the 19th century. Richardson believed it was essential to revive the motifs of medieval romance, using solid stone walls and arches to create imposing, grounded structures. Louis SullivanSullivan CenterAuditorium BuildingLouis Sullivan was influenced by his work with architects Frank Furness, William Le Baron Jenney and Henry Hobson. Richardson, leading to the creation of his own unique style, primarily with high-rise buildings. Sullivan believed it was important to use organic substances and depict nature when exploring organic ornamentation and steel-framed construction. Sullivan became a strong advocate for the development of distinctly American architectural forms. He believed his ideas would best represent democratic society. Sullivan became considered the creator of the modern skyscraper and known as America's first modern architect.John Singer SargentPortrait of Madame XCarnation, Lily, Lily RoseJohn Singer Sargent was well known for his depictions of high society figures in Paris , London and New York. Sargent draws on ancient traditions, incorporating vibrant impressionistic brushstrokes and non-traditional solutions in order to better capture his subject. Sargant painted both portraits and landscapes, each expressing their different and unique art forms.James McNeill WhistlerNocturne in Black and Gold - The Falling RocketSymphony in White, No. 1Nocturne: Blue and Silver - ChelseaJames McNeill Whistler is celebrated for his innovative painting style and eccentric personality. Whistley was a strong advocate of the Aesthetic Movement in its promotion of the "art for art's sake" mentality. Whistler inspired modern artists, such as the Impressionists, to look beyond traditional art institutions. Whistler was one of the first American artists working in England to incorporate delicate oriental fabric patterns and accessories into his work. The artist is credited with the spearhead art form, which today is considered the Anglo-Japanese style of fine art. Mary Cassatt Little Girl in a Blue Armchair Self-Portrait - Mary Cassat Girl Arranging Her Hair Mary Cassatt was one of the leading artists of the Impressionist movement of the late 1800s. Cassatt attracted criticism for her vivid colors and the unflattering precision of his subjects. Cassatt became famous for her portraits. She was attracted to drawing women in a domestic setting,.