tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685065582281848343.post12499319168339383..comments2023-09-28T03:28:17.063-04:00Comments on 3 Ring Binder: Unsullied in BostonLynnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12178771612031280593noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685065582281848343.post-54909950441751715582010-02-19T08:32:44.460-05:002010-02-19T08:32:44.460-05:00I know - the news about the new wing is pretty exc...I know - the news about the new wing is pretty exciting!<br /><br />The first thing I noticed, and only because I knew Leutze's painting, was the lack of the flag. I doubt it was carried like a standard during the crossing, but I miss it in Sully's painting as it seems to herald Washington's glory. <br /><br />The other thing is that I don't much recognize the environment. The weird dead tree in the middle bothers me compositionally speaking. I do like that all the other people lack detail - Washington sort of glows. I don't think he's any less active than the GW on the boat, but I agree, a little less intense looking. The lighting is certainly more dramatic in the Leutze painting. <br /><br />He cuts a fine figure in both cases. <br /><br />It'll be great to be able to see it in person. I may get a chance to see Leutze's this weekend.Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12178771612031280593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-685065582281848343.post-52098190269927280562010-02-19T07:48:29.116-05:002010-02-19T07:48:29.116-05:00I'll definitely be interested to see it, and t...I'll definitely be interested to see it, and this is the first I've heard of the American Wing. I hope they don't screw it up.<br /><br />Comparing these two paintings, it's immediately obvious to me why Leutze's is the more famous. It's just more heroic, dramatic, romantic, and amazing. Sully's is nice, but it depicts Washington as observer, commander from a distance, up on the hill, watching his men toil below. Leutze's shows Washington -- whether or not this is historically true -- as an active hero, leading his men across the treacherous river to glory. It encapsulates the entire episode, stripping it down to the most fundamental story, and is so good that it has basically <i>become</i> history. Whatever the actuality, this is how people think of it. (Added to that is the little treat Scott Powell has hypothesized: that it's Monroe standing behind Washington.)<br /><br />What do you think of the Sully? Am I being to harsh? I don't think it stacks up, but I'm certainly willing to listen to other views.C. Augusthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05860759500684485756noreply@blogger.com