Who painted Groton Monument?

Groton Monument was painted by J.R. Butts in 1835.

Where can I see Groton Monument?

Groton Monument is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Groton Monument?

Groton Monument is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Groton Monument?

Museum-quality prints of Groton Monument are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Groton Monument

J.R. Butts , 1835

Groton Monument is an ink print by the Romanticist artist J.R. Butts. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1835 by J.

Inscription: Inscribed:GROTON MONUMENT./Published by D.W. Kellogg & Co. Hartford, Ct. on stone, lower center; Lith. of D.W. Kellogg & Co. on stone, lower left; LXX in pencil (partially erased), lower left, margin; signed: J.R. Butts Del. on stone, lower right

About this work

The lithograph shows a tall stone obelisk standing in a grassy field. A few trees rise behind it. The sky is clear with wispy clouds.

This is one of the earliest images of the Groton Monument. The obelisk honors soldiers from the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781. It was still new when Butts made this print.

Check out the details of lithography next.

Overview

Groton Monument is a lithograph created by J.R. Butts around 1835, depicting a recently erected obelisk commemorating the Battle of Groton Heights (1781). The print captures the monument in a serene landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The lithograph's central subject is a tall stone obelisk honoring soldiers who fought in the Battle of Groton Heights during the American Revolutionary War. The monument's newness at the time of depiction emphasizes its contemporary significance as a memorial.

Technique & Style

Executed in lithography, the print showcases the medium's capabilities in rendering detail and texture, from the obelisk's stonework to the surrounding foliage and sky. The overall style is characterized by crisp lines and nuanced tonal variations.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1835, this lithograph is among the earliest visual records of the Groton Monument shortly after its construction. The artist's choice of subject reflects the monument's importance as a new national landmark at the time.

Context

The print exists within the broader context of early 19th-century American commemorative art, reflecting a growing interest in honoring Revolutionary War heritage through public monuments and artworks.