The battle scene is one of the oldest types of art in developed civilizations, as rulers have always been keen to celebrate their victories and intimidate potential opponents. Portraits of military figures and depictions of soldiers, away from the battlefield, have also been very common. Accordingly, military art, or art with military subject matter, maintains prominence throughout recent history and spans all artistic styles and mediums.
Full-length and equestrian portraits of rulers and generals date back to the 1500s. Equestrian Portrait of Charles V by the Italian Renaissance artist Titian in1548 is one of the first examples. The emperor was very aware of the importance of portraiture in determining how he was seen by others.
Today we continue the traditio n of painted portraiture with presidential portraits, capturing our commander in chief. However, when it comes to military figures, we are more likely to capture someone’s image in a selfie than in a formal portrait. These snapshots don’t carry the same permanence that traditionally painted portraiture holds. As an artist I felt it was time to add women to the tradition of military portraiture.
Seventeen women volunteered their time to pose and subsequently have their portraits painted. It was my goal to capture these strong and talented women in traditional poses and compositions, and to celebrate the diverse career fields, ethnic backgrounds, and varied ages and ranks. They by no means represent all of the wide-ranging opportunities and positions the armed forces offers or the diversity amongst those who serve.
Just as, back in 1528, Charles V understood that portraiture can shape how others see an individual, each and every military member is worthy of the time and energy and reverence a painting represents.
I hope you as a viewer will enjoy this tribute to the women of the military community – created in celebration of Women’s History Month, March 2021.