Three Fates In Paintings

Lesser-known works of George Caleb Bingham on exhibit at historical society

COLUMBIA — George Caleb Bingham, a prominent American painter of the 19th century, is often recognized for his works reflecting the day's political issues and scenes from the Missouri River.

But a lesser-known body of work that Bingham created centered around women and children. Examples of these works are on display this summer in "Women, Children, and George Caleb Bingham" at the State Historical Society of Missouri at MU.

“I wanted to stress the theme that is not often talked about: women and children and Bingham’s relationship with his family,” said Joan Stack, curator of art collections at the historical society.

Five portraits and three sketchbook pages in the exhibition feature women and/or children. There is also a portrait of James Rollins, after whom Bingham named a son — Rollins, likewise, named a son after Bingham — and a needlework portrait of George Washington done by Bingham's young daughter, Clara.

“I think people really like seeing these paintings and other works that we have not displayed," Stack said. "People tend to be very charmed by the paintings of children.”

Also in the exhibition is a print of Bingham's "Order No. 11," the original of which usually hangs in the gallery. It depicts residents of four western Missouri counties leaving their homes at the order of the Union Army. Those most affected by this edict lived in rural, unincorporated areas, said Greig Thompson, chief museum preparator. The order exempted populations living within or in close proximity to several of the larger towns.

The painting is on loan to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, but a hand-printed image engraved by John Sartain hangs in its place for the exhibition. 

In the print by Bingham, two women are trying to stop an older man and two soldiers from fighting as a scared child holds onto the old man’s leg. A person lies on the ground with blood pooled near his head. A woman who has fainted lies on her servant’s arms. A young boy runs with his arms outstretched alongside a man who is covering his face in his hands as they flee the scene.

“(Bingham) was a Union supporter, but he felt this was an abuse of power," Stack said of Bingham's perception of General Order No. 11. "He didn’t think the government needed to treat the civilians in this way. This is a way of protest painting. He was outraged by what happened in Missouri, by the government policy, General Order No. 11.

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