Description:
Founded in 1798, the Boston Light Infantry was also known as the Tiger Regiment and the 43rd Massachusetts Infantry. This view of their encampment, looking west with a glimpse of the Connecticut River in the middle distance, shows soldiers and local civilians gathered to observe a muster. Tents and military equipment are carefully depicted. The camp was seemingly named for Henry Sargent (1770-1845) who had served as an officer in the regiment, rising to the rank of Captain. Colored lithograph published by Benjamin W. Thayer, Boston. "Drawn of stone by B[enjamin] Champney." Champney (1817-1907), apprenticed with Thayer before becoming an accomplished portraitist and painter. The view's artist, James Burt, was best known for his landscape paintings.
Label Text:
The artist James Burt specialized in landscape paintings. Here, he depicts the Boston Light Infantry (founded in 1798) in an encampment in Springfield. The view looks to the west, revealing the Connecticut River in the distance. Burt’s scene reinforces the visual spectacle that resulted from musters of militia groups like these, clad in similar clothing and arranged in precise formations.
Subjects:
Watercolor painting Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2017.27 |
