Spencer Museum of Art

Overview

Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner's 1873 novel The Gilded Age described that era as America's "golden road to fortune."

The Gilded Age (1870s-1917) was a period of ambition, sophistication, and elegance in America. A strong sense of national pride and purpose prevailed. It was a complex time in United States history. After a wrenching Civil War, the country was on a rise to power and taking a place on the international stage politically, economically, and culturally.

Post-Civil War attitude: The United States was growing past provincialism. There was an increased interest in the rest of the world.

Major technological advances: America was changing due to innovations in science and technology. The 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia showcased the nation's rising industrial age. Engineers were the heroes of the day. Americans were building bridges, railroads, and machines. The Brooklyn Bridge, began in 1883, was an "emblem of power and optimism." Increased production of iron and steel led to the first skyscrapers.

Growing class of wealthy industrialists: New wealth and fortunes were the result of the Industrial Revolution. These Americans were looking for ways to spend their newly acquired money. They wanted to give their new wealth the status and prestige of Europe's old wealth.

Mimicking European ideals of aristocracy and culture: Americans began collecting works by European masters and commissioning European Renaissance subjects and styles.

Growing number of expatriate artist and writer communities: Many American artists were moving to Europe, especially to France and Italy, to study.

Key Points:

• Individual patrons vs. open market
• Artists and wealthy patrons collaborating as never before in America
• Influence of European art and culture
• Increased interest in and travel to exotic cultures
• Impact of new scientific and religious theories
• Increased demand for high-society portraits
• Idealization of and fascination with women
• Desire for rural images, specifically vacations spots
• Finely decorated homes and country estates housed the collections
• The art of bronze casting perfected