The Wadsworth Experience

Richard McCoy
Albertus Magnus College

Wadsworth Athenium
Trip Date: 04/20/07
Focus: The Nooning
by Winslow Homer


On Friday, April 20 I visited the Wadsworth Athenium museum in downtown Hartford, CT. It was a great day to take the trip to the Athenium because the weather could not have been better.

From across the street I noticed the magnificent design structure of the museum itself. It looked just like a castle standing there amongst surrounding buildings. I knew immediately, I was in for a nice trip from the looks of the outside itself. The building showed great honor and appeared to be a distinguishable landmark of Hartford. Since 1842 the museum has been a keystone to the city of Hartford and the United States of America as it is the country's oldest public art museum (www.wadsworthathenium.org).

The Athenium gave such a historic feeling inside just as it did from the outside. I think what made the Athenium an extraordinary visit was the fact that it was built for me, well the visitor. The museum’s founder Daniel Wadsworth had a vision that he wanted to share with the general public. He wanted to show everyone the beauty of art. Wadsworth wanted to provide everyone with an opportunity to view art first hand and make lasting impressions.

Upon entry I paid for my admission and walked to the front counter grabbing a floor plan of the current exhibits. I toured the entire museum enjoying everything I came across. From the Wetmore Parlor to the Avery Court Fountain I found my eyes aglow, my mouth open in astonishment and myself happy because of the experience I gained in my state’s history. I walked across the entire museum and took many great photos.

The section of the museum that I enjoyed the most was the Wetmore Parlor. I found myself drawn to this area for quite sometime standing and taking in the atmosphere of the room, trying to relive what it was like growing up in the grandeur that is The Wetmore Parlor. From the creaks of the boards beneath my feet, to the sent of the aged wood in the room, I felt the history of this house and of its history in the city of Middletown.

The pieces that were around the room were exquisite. This tall standing grandfather clock was in such pristine condition for its age which surprised me. I would have never thought a piece over 230 years old would have been in the condition that it was. This time piece according to its description was one of the rarest of its era. It was something that not many families owned due to its high value. It was something the Wetmores included in their home as a tool for entertainment and to provide an upscale look to visitors.

A dresser found in the Wetmore household.

A painting of Ann Jarvis, a friend of Seth and Hannah Wetmore.














My favorite piece from the Athenium was a painting entitled The Nooning by Winslow Homer. The painting is of a small farm boy sitting in a field in front of his home. According to the painting's details it was created to symbolize good nature and bring back a calm to society during hard times brought on by the Civil War. Homer known for his expertise in water color paintings and sheer marvel for creating pieces of the sea, are reasons why he is a legend in American Art.

I really felt the message that Homer was delivering with this painting. He wanted to instill confidence back into the country during times of confusion and pain brought on by internal war. Painting the picture of a child lying comfortably in the field in front of his house in what appears to be the south, provided a positive and hopeful look at life during that rough era.

I enjoyed Homer's piece because I thought it was pure. It was a detailed painting with simple features that symbolized a very deep message. I would like to know how many people were inspired by this painting as much as I was. In a time with war present in the world, artwork like this should be embraced and encouraged. You never know what lives can be changed by viewing art work such as this. I hope Mr. Homer delivered his message well.

















The rest of the museum was fascinating. I had an opportunity to take photos of some really great artwork. Here are some additional photos of pieces I liked. Until next time my fellow classmates.

Richard McCoy























Sources:

Factmonster Website
Winslow Homer Bio
http://www.factmonster.com/ce6/people/A0824048.html


Wadsworth Atheneum Homepage
http://www.wadsworthatheneum.org/learn/museum-history.php