Wishing you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July.
Art, Jan and Robert
Showing posts with label July 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label July 4. Show all posts
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Happy Birthday, Hershel!
Hershel House is an incredible individual. Over the years he has been a driving force in the revival of the lost arts of old time gun making, blacksmithing and corn meal production. He work is known world wide. The pieces he produces look as though they originated in another time. Shooters all swear by the accuracy of a Hershel gun. Collectors eagerly seek out any available piece. His knives are seen everywhere. When Hershel arrives at a show he is immediately surrounded by a crowd. Everyone wants to speak with him. Visits to his home are like a trip back in time. His encouragement and sharing with other builders is legendary. I have taken great pleasure in collecting and shooting some wonderful pieces from his shop. Over the years Jan and I have enjoyed all our visits with Hershel and his daughter Jana Lee. Hershel is truly a treasure. Art Riser Contemporary Makers
Photographs at Hershel's in October 2002 by Jan Riser.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The Declaration of Independence, July 4 1776 by John Trumbull
The Declaration of Independence, July 4 1776 by John Trumbull
The Declaration of Independence was begun in Paris, most probably at the suggestion of Thomas Jefferson, chief author of the document, provided Trumbull with a first-hand account of the event in the Assembly Room in Independence Hall where Congress had met. Trumbull combined a desire for historical authenticity with a mission to commemorate a moment of transcendent importance. Jefferson stands at the center surrounded by John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin and presents the document to John Hancock, president of Congress. Trumbull chose to have the whole committee present the document rather than a single spokesman, which would have been historically accurate. At the suggestion of Adams and Jefferson, Trumbull portrayed all congressmen including those not present on July 4, as well as those who opposed the Declaration and did not sign. He also took liberties with the interior, ornamenting the scene with military flags and trophies. He covered the windows with red velvet draperies instead of the venetian blinds that were actually in place. Instead of the simple wooden Windsor chairs that furnished the room, he seated the congressmen in elegant mahogany armchairs, and Hancock in an upholstered and gilded version. These stylish additions may have been intended to elevate the character of a provincial assembly by conveying a more sophisticated image of America.
Painting from Wikimedia. Copy from Yale University Art Gallery, eCatalgue.
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