|
THE PRIMITIVES
American Painting entirely derived from Europe. — Artists among
the Early Explorers. — Le Moyne. — Joannes With. — Culture of the
French Superior In the Beginning to that of the English. — Conditions
of Early Colonial Life. —Some Pictures brought over. — Early
Painters. — Smybert. — Green-wood. — Theus. — feke. — KILBURN. — BLACKBURN
The fundamental and mastering fact about American
painting
is that it is in no way native to America, but is European painting
imported, or rather transplanted, to America, and there cultivated
and developed; and even that not independently, but with constant
reference to the older countries, first one nation or school having a
preponderating influence, then another. There is no local tradition
or influence; no ancient archaic style to be vaguely felt even in the
latest and most varied achievements. The Indians of the Atlantic
seaboard were skilled in war and hunting, some of them were wise
in council, sound reasoners, and with a striking and picturesque elo-
quence, but in all that touched art, even of the rudimentary savage
type, they were far behind their brethren of Mexico and Peru.
Even had they been equally advanced, it is doubtful if their carvings
and paintings would have left perceptible traces. The immigrants
who permanently occupied the country were not in a frame of mind
to learn from the savages, nor were they, in most of the English
colonies, greatly interested in anything pertaining to sculpture or
painting.
With the French colonists it was different; they were
far
more advanced in all that touched the refinements of life, and their
leaders often were at home in the highly cultivated French court,
where all the arts were encouraged to the utmost. The French
colonies were sent out more or less under court patronage and for
the glory of the French name. Their promoters desired, as a rule,
to enrich themselves, but also to gain renown, to enlighten the
|