Mirth and Sadness, Smiles and Tears
MIRTH AND SADNESS, SMILES AND TEARS by Rich Thompson Background and artist comments : Acollection of photographs taken on February 5, 1865 by Alexander Gardner in his Washington DC studio, has always fascinated me. I’ve based this piece on one of those photographs. I call the painting “Mirth and Sadness, Smiles and Tears” as the image somehow captures both, his joy and his pain. It reflects a smile, his legendary sense of humor, the approval of the 13th amendment, (Lincoln had signed four days prior) and the war drawing to a close. It also captures the wear and tear of his struggle to...
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Featured Painting
LINCOLN by Rich Thompson This rendering is based on a photograph taking by Alexander Gardner on November 8, 1863 in Washington, DC. This is often referred to as the “Gettysburg Portrait” as the photograph was taken just eleven days before he delivered the Gettysburg Address. I simply called the painting LINCOLN as it captures so much of the character of our nation’s most intriguing leader. His deep set eyes reflecting strength, determination, compassion, and integrity. This piece has a powerful sense of presence, an almost spiritual quality. Prints...
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