One of the world’s most impressive collections of American art is on display at the University of Louisville’s Speed Museum.
The special exhibition “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery” features more than 200 original 18th and 19th century works of art and furniture pieces, including John Trumbull’s “The Declaration of Independence.”
This is the first time the exhibit has traveled outside of Yale’s Art Gallery.
The exhibition showcases paintings, drawings, furniture, photographs and ceramics, tracing the history of America from the landing on Plymouth Rock to the Gilded Age following the Civil War.
Art enthusiast Doris Knight made a daytrip from Cincinnati to check out the exhibition.
“This is wonderful,” Knight said, inspecting an elaborate yellow couch from 1820. “Everything from the time period was so ornate. They don’t do it like this anymore.”
The elaborate designs found on everyday objects are truly what make this exhibit a trip back in time.
Two silver candlesticks are on display made by Jeremiah Dummer, the first native-born American Silversmith.
“These are remarkable,” Knight said of the candlesticks. “It makes me wish I had grown up in another time.”
Also on display is a chest from the Rio Abajo region of New Mexico, circa 1775. Carved into the large pine box are pictures of lions and pomegranates, two common images found in Hispanic heraldry.
“The attention to detail is what really stands out to me,” Alicia Franklin, Louisville, said while observing the chest.
The highlight of the exhibit, however, is John Trumbull’s eight Revolutionary War scenes. Jon Davis of Louisville, 43, was thrilled to see these scenes in person.
“I grew up seeing these paintings in textbooks. They are amazing to see in person.”
Trumbull’s most famous work is “The Declaration of Independence,” and appears on the reverse side of the two-dollar bill.
“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery” is on display at the Speed Museum until Jan. 4. Admission is $15, $7 for students.
By ZAK OWENS
Staff Writer
zowens@ius.edu