Painting Texas History
Programs
March 7, 2017 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Discover Texas history through art and conversation.
Dramatic historical events have frequently provided subject matter for artists, particularly in Texas, where works portraying legendary events and individuals were common. Join us for a talk on how these paintings reflect the historic and imagined versions of events in Texas history.
Program Details
Several weeks ago, the Bullock Museum added a few significant pieces of Texas history to its galleries that will be explored in depth during this program. A version of Texas artist Henry Arthur McArdle's famed painting The Battle of San Jacinto and his notebooks which contain exhaustive research on the topic, including interviews with combatants, maps, field notes and more are currently on view. This program will explore these pieces both as works of art and as historical documents.
A reception and book signing will precede the program in the Texas Spirit Theater at 6:00pm, guests are invited to tour the gallery to view the painting and McArdle notebooks before entering the theater.
James Crisp, Professor Emeritus, Department of History at North Carolina State University
As a specialist on Texas history, Dr. Crisp has been the recipient of many academic honors and awards throughout his career. He has published many scholarly articles and presented for audiences in the United States, Mexico and Europe. Jim authored the book Sleuthing the Alamo: Davy Crockett’s Last Stand in 2004.
Sam Ratcliffe, Head of Bywater's Special Collections at SMU's Hamon Arts Gallery
Sam has been at the Hamon Arts Library for 20 years and oversees the special collections area. He is active in the preservation and conservation of rare material as well as directing efforts to identify and catalog the contents of individual collections. Sam authored the book, Painting Texas History to 1900.
Sam Ratcliffe, talked with The Houston Chronicle about the discovery of this version of McArdle’s painting The Battle of San Jacinto – a canvas previously thought to have been destroyed in a 1918 house fire. The article appeared in the paper’s Nov. 8, 2010 edition.
For more information on the McArdle notebooks and to view a digital version, please visit this site from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Educators to receive CPE credit email education@thestoryoftexas.com
Support for the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
