"Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons" Ehxibit
August 2 - September 3, 2015 |
This year Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) honors the artist Thomas Nast in the exhibit “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons”. In celebration of what would have been Thomas Nast’s 175th birthday, Nast was born in Landau, Germany on September 26th 1840, the Museum has an extended run of the exhibit which reopens after a summer hiatus on Sunday August 2nd through October 4th, 2015.
In this exhibit the Museum displays an important collection of rarely exhibited; virtually unknown works by the man whose art defined many of America’s most popular icons: Santa Claus, Uncle Sam, the Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant. Previously unpublished oil paintings and watercolors, rarely
seen pencil sketches, pen and ink drawings, and original architectural elements from the artist’s home are among the objects presented in the exhibition. In addition to these and several never-before-exhibited pieces, some of Thomas Nast’s best-known characters are also on display.
Thomas Nast (1840-1902) is one of the most recognized names in the world of political cartoons. Often called the father of American political cartooning, Nast’s images remain popular today. His well-known depictions of the Democratic Donkey and Republican Elephant, conceived more than 100 years ago, continue to represent both parties. Uncle Sam and Columbia, two of his favorite figures to draw, are still recognized as symbols for the United States of America. His spirit lives on through his iconic representations of Santa Claus. The classic images which Nast popularized of the jolly old elf still appear on a variety of surfaces each year during the holiday season, and Nast’s Civil War images of the battlefront and home front were powerful tools for bringing the war into people’s homes.
Pencil sketches of Thomas Nast’s family from his early years as well as paintings he created toward the end of his life around 1900 are on display. Nast worked with a variety of mediums as well as producing images not just of political life, but social as well. He drew images of famous people of the time as well as his own family life. He even enjoyed putting his own image down on paper as can be seen by the variety of self-portraits exhibited. MHHM holds the largest collection of original works by Thomas Nast, which has expanded through donations and acquisition since its last major exhibit of Nast material. “Thomas Nast: Unknown Works and American Icons” will be on display August 2nd through October 4th, 2015.
MHMM preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house tours and gallery visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 pm. The last tour leaves at 3pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.
Image attached: Detail_ Good Night by Thomas Nast_detail_Watercolor_C.1888 Collection of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
|
Website:
maccullochhall.org |
|
Location Information |
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum |
45 Macculloch Avenue Morristown, NJ 07960 |
Website:
maccullochhall.org |
|
Contact Information |
Ryan Hyman |
Email:
rhyman@maccullochhall.org |
Phone:
973-538-2404 ext. 12 |
|