The Art of Clara Barton

The Clara Barton National Historic Site’s third annual "The Art of Clara Barton" exhibit focuses on the American heroine during the Civil War era, in conjunction with commemorations of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

Barton was founder of the American Red Cross.

The exhibit “encourages local artists to explore different themes associated with Clara Barton's life and accomplishments and creates a unique outlet to share their inspiration of her through the use of art," according to National Park Service Ranger Susan Finta.

The seven pieces featured are all portrait studies of Clara Barton as she appeared in the 1860s.  “It is possible to see the grace, determination and compassion she possessed” through the artwork, added Finta.

Along with the work of contemporary artists are copies of pictures created by Barton herself.  “She is not typically known as an accomplished artist, and art does not seem to have been a big part of her life,” said Finta. “But she had taken art classes as a younger woman and did create several pieces which can be described as very good.”

The artwork complements a special site exhibit, “Clara Barton and the American Civil War,” comprised of artifacts and other materials  representative of Barton's Civil War relief efforts, including a bronzed bust of Barton.

Artist and designer Karen Peacock of Frederick, Md., has two works in the exhibit, both digital illustrations. As she blogged recently, “I’ve been on a Photoshop illustration kick lately. So I jumped at the chance to create this ["Clara Barton Interior"] portrait…Thanks to a photo shoot last year at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine I had some good images to work with."

For Peacock's second portrait, titled "Clara Barton Type Portrait," she explained, “Using Illustrator, I built up the image using only the letters of Clara Barton’s name. The background is a photo I took of the back of an old quilt.”

Washington, D.C. illustrator Ismael Carrillo created the striking “The Big Big Big Red Red Red Heart,” done in alkyds on canvas. “Clara Barton” is a reproduction print from the late Charles M. Stevenson, Jr., a prolific Mendocino, Ca. artist who studied at the Corcoran Gallery of Art school as a child.  The Carrillo and Stevenson pieces are both part of the Clara Barton NHS permanent collection. 

Civil War artist Amy V. Lindenberger contributed “Study of Clara Barton” in colored pencil.  Other works in the exhibit include Geraldine Corangis’ “Clara Barton During Civil War Era” (sanguine waxyish pastel) and Susan Farrer’s “Angel of the Battlefield” (mixed media – paper, ephemera, found objects and paint).

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“The Art of Clara Barton” exhibit will run until Oct. 31 during the regular hourly tours at Clara Barton National Historic Site, 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo. (10 and 11 a.m., 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.) Admission is free; reservations required for groups of 10 or more people.  301-320-1410.