How is your favorite historical figure represented [in art]?

[Heather]

How is your favorite historical figure represented [in art]?
Do you enjoy learning about history through art?
Can you trust an artist's interpretation?

[Heather]

My first inclination is the artist's self-portraits. Van Gogh, specifically. As to trusting his own interpretation? I think that is subjective. I believe each artist depicts himself or herself as he or she sees him/her self but not necessarily how we see them. There are so many self-portraits of van Gogh, I wouldn't even know which one to choose. Three or four of my favorites I will post as follows.



1887



1886



1887



1889

[Heather]

George Washington as Colonel in the Virginia Regiment
Charles Willson Peale
1772

"Inclination having yielded to opportunity, I am not, contrary to all expectation, under the hands of Mr. Peale; but in so grave - so sullen a mood - and now and then under the influence of Morpheus, when some critical strokes are making, that I fancy the skill of this Gentleman's Pencil, will be hard put to it, in describing to the World the manner of man I am."

~George Washington to Rev. Jonathan Boucher, May 21, 1772

[Heather]

I know we've all seen this but I love it and where else can I post this? It's a photograph, which is art. And I love Al, so here he is!