Seeing America

1877 – 1898

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videos + essays

Over the next two years, Seeing America will grow to include 100 videos, 18 essays, quizzes, discussion questions and lesson plans.

Henry Ossawa Tanner, <em>The Thankful Poor</em>
Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Thankful Poor

Soft light illuminates a moment of quiet prayer.

William F. Cogswell, <em>Queen Lili’uokalani</em>, and Maria Kealaulaokalani Lane Ena, ʻAhu ʻula (The Kalākaua Cape)
William F. Cogswell, Queen Lili’uokalani, and Maria Kealaulaokalani Lane Ena, ʻAhu ʻula (The Kalākaua Cape)

This royal portrait and cape convey the power of the Hawaiian monarchy and the tensions around the momentous historical events of 1898.

The New York Obelisk, Cleopatra’s Needle
The New York Obelisk, Cleopatra’s Needle

Why is this ancient Egyptian obelisk in New York City?

Francisco Oller, <em> Still Life with Plantains and Bananas</em> and <em>Still Life with Coconuts</em>
Francisco Oller, Still Life with Plantains and Bananas and Still Life with Coconuts

Oller inspires a sense of monumentality in his paintings of common fruits from Puerto Rico.