Animal Bell 1938

Gerald Transpota rendered this artwork, called Animal Bell, using watercolor and graphite. Transpota was born in 1855, a period marked by significant industrial and social change. He lived through the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, both of which would have deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. The bell itself, adorned with what appears to be an eagle motif, evokes a sense of national pride and perhaps even a call to action. It is important to think about how an artist makes choices that reflect and respond to the political and social issues of his time. How might Transpota's experiences of war and reconstruction have influenced his artistic vision? How do the symbols he incorporated into this work convey a message about American identity during this period? This artwork is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between art, identity, and historical context. It leaves us contemplating the enduring power of symbols and the many voices they carry.