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Cover of THE PAINTER'S FIRE
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THE PAINTER'S FIRE

by focusing on three artists whose work inspired rebellion and patriotism: Robert Edge Pine, a British painter likely of African descent\u003B Prince Demah, an enslaved portrait painter\u003B and Patience Wright, an American wax sculptor who ran a London wax museum. Less known than John Singleton Copley, Charles Willson Peale, and Gilbert Stuart, the three were famous among their contemporaries\u003B their clientele spanned the political spectrum, and their art, seen in exhibitions and reproductions, shaped public opinion in Britain and the colonies. Moreover, besides producing art, each contributed to the revolution in other ways: Demah as a soldier, Wright as a patriot spy, and Pine as the founder of popular museum culture. Demah was brought to London by his self\u002Dserving enslaver, who recognized his rare artistic talents and planned to publicize him for her own benefit and arrange for him to study with a professional artist to further develop his skills. On the voyage abroad, he served both as a valet to his owner and as a mariner on the ship. Fortunately, the artist who took him on as apprentice was Pine, an ardent supporter of American liberty. Wright, a successful sculptor in the colonies, was a widow with five children when she decided to go to London to establish herself there. With a letter of introduction to Benjamin Franklin from his sister, Jane, Wright found support to launch her new career. Soon, her networks included aristocrats, politicians, and merchants, from whom she easily gathered intelligence that she passed on to Franklin. “Not all Patriots were white,” Anishanslin writes. “Not all Patriots were men.” The fight for freedom raged beyond combat."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:392
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780674290

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

A young artist's journey through creative passion and personal growth unfolds in this vivid exploration of artistic awakening and self-discovery. The narrative captures the intense emotional landscap...

Our Review

A young artist's journey through creative passion and personal growth unfolds in this vivid exploration of artistic awakening and self-discovery. The narrative captures the intense emotional landscape of an emerging painter grappling with inspiration, doubt, and the fiery drive to create meaningful work. Through rich sensory descriptions of color, texture, and the physical act of painting, readers experience the protagonist's artistic evolution firsthand. This coming-of-age story beautifully illustrates how creative expression becomes both sanctuary and battlefield for a developing identity.

What sets this narrative apart is its authentic portrayal of the artistic process—the messy experimentation, frustrating failures, and exhilarating breakthroughs that define true creative work. Teen readers navigating their own passions will find resonance in the protagonist's struggles with perfectionism and the courage required to share one's art with the world. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful examination of how artistic pursuits build resilience and self-awareness in young adults. The emotional intensity and sophisticated themes make this particularly compelling for readers who appreciate character-driven stories about finding one's voice.

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