Stern Board c. 1939

Louis Plogsted created this watercolor and graphite drawing of a stern board sometime in the late 19th century. This decorative panel, likely intended for the stern of a boat, immediately evokes a strong sense of national identity through its prominent use of the American eagle and stars. The choice of the eagle, combined with the star motif, borrows from established visual codes of American patriotism, frequently seen in government buildings and public monuments. Consider the social and political landscape of the late 19th century when the rise of industrial capitalism and immigration led to questions about national identity. The stern board reinforces a sense of unified American identity in a time of rapid change. Historians of American art use a variety of resources to research this period including newspapers, political pamphlets and institutional records. Studying these historical and cultural contexts help us to better understand the role that art plays in shaping national identity.