Liberty in the Form of the Goddess of Youth: Giving Support to the Balk Eagle

Abijah Canfield 1800 Gauche on Glass

1.

Images and symbols that represent America?

2.

What is the Canfield’s tone ? What details show you his tone?

3.

How does Canfield suggest that the future looks positive for the new nation?

4.

What is the significance (meaning) of Liberty offering a drink from the goblet (cup) to the bald eagle?

5.

What might be the artist’s reason for portraying (showing) Liberty as youthful?

6.

How are Liberty’s feet guided by “the lamp of experience” as Henry claims his are?

7.

Do you think Henry would have used this as a persuasive visual for his argument to the Virginia Convention? Why or why not?

Summary:

Describe the rationalist elements do you see shown in the painting?