This portrait of a Cherokee man was painted during a peace delegation from the Indigenous nation to meet the King of England
Seeing America – Periods: 1754-1800
In New Spain, Indigenous people, Africans, Spaniards, and their descendants mixed together. Casta paintings show one way Spaniards attempted to place these mixed-race families and their children into a hierarchy, although the realities of race and status in Spanish colonial society were much more complex.
APUSH: KC-2.1.I.A
APUSH: KC-2.1.I.A
Teaching guide
Constructing identity in the Spanish colonies ...
Re-examining a founding American myth
The making of an American myth
The Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the birth of the two-party system..
1754–1800
Politics and fashion on the eve of the American Revolution
Dressing for the American Revolution
In addition to being an politician, Jefferson was an ardent supporter and practitioner of classical architecture.
Architect of the Enlightenment
Presidential portraits of George Washington were Stuart’s bread and butter when he returned to his native America.
Picturing George Washington
West turned the conventions of history painting on their head by choosing a contemporary subject and dress.
Painting the French and Indian War
Well known in his own day as a silversmith, Revere is shown in casual attire, with a teapot brimming with meaning.
The making of Paul Revere’s fame
Lack of an American sculptural tradition compelled Jefferson to look to France for this portrait of Washington.
Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington
Trumbull traveled up and down the Eastern Seaboard to paint the members of the Continental Congress from life.
Painting the Declaration of Independence
This outfit was likely made for a British lieutenant and gifted to him in a ritual exchange to show mutual respect.
Fashioning diplomacy
These challenging paintings visually separate Indigenous Americans from the Spanish elite; most were exported.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
