The Annotated Mona Lisa: Pages 72 - 73

Question 1

American Neolclassicism

Answer 1

• American republic adopted Roman symbols and terms
• Neoclassic became the style due to Thomas Jefferson
• the first American-born painter to win international acclaim was Benjamin West (1738-1820)

Question 2

Beginnings of American Art

Answer 2

• Benjamin West had to pursue art in England because most colonists were farms and didn’t put for art
• portraiture was the most sought-after art form

Question 3

Copley: The First Great American Painter

Answer 3

• John Singleton Copley (1738-1815)

- taught himself by studying anatomy books and reproductions of paintings

Question 4

Stuart: The First Distinctive American Style

Answer 4

• Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828)

- made skin seem luminous, almost transparent, through quick brushstrokes rather than layered glazes