Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. George Caleb Bingham died in 1879; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1949.
In context
Order No. 11 — George Caleb Bingham
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 68 at death.
Painted when the artist was 54. The artist lived to 68. 52 of the 60 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of George Caleb Bingham (1811–1879) ▲ this work, 1865 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1845 Main working years: 1845–1853 Late works: from 1853
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/george-caleb-bingham-order-no-11-8YDKV2-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Driftwood #b4a161
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 54.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 169 works by this artist, of which 53 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Order No. 11 — George Caleb Bingham
The painting Order No. 11 by George Caleb Bingham is a masterpiece that showcases the artist's ability to capture the essence of a bygone era. Created in 1865, this oil on canvas work is a poignant representation of life during the Civil War era. The painting is currently housed at the Cincinnati Art Museum (United States), which is one of the oldest and most respected art museums in the country.
Order No. 11 is a historical scene that depicts people gathered in the street during a time when horses were used for transportation. The crowd consists of various individuals, some standing while others sit on benches. A horse is located near the center of the scene, possibly being used for transportation or as part of a parade. The painting also features several benches scattered throughout the area, providing seating options for the crowd. A clock can be seen in the upper right corner of the image, indicating the time during this historical event. Key Features of the painting include:
The use of oil on canvas, which gives the painting a sense of depth and texture
The depiction of everyday life during the Civil War era, which provides a unique glimpse into the past
The attention to detail, from the clothing of the individuals to the architecture of the buildings
For more information on George Caleb Bingham and his works, visit https://AllPaintingsStore.com. To learn more about the Cincinnati Art Museum, visit /art/list/?Filter=A@D3BSYX.
The painting Order No. 11 is a significant work that showcases the artist's ability to capture the essence of a bygone era. With its rich history and cultural significance, it is a must-see for anyone interested in American art. Visit /art/list/?Filter=D43RPN to learn more about this painting and other works by George Caleb Bingham.
Artist and museum
Born in Augusta County, United States of America
George Caleb Bingham, born in 1811 amidst the rolling landscapes of Virginia, wasn’t destined for a life steeped in artistic convention. His early years were marked by movement and adaptation, a family relocation to the burgeoning Missouri frontier shaping his perspective in profound ways. This shift from the established East to the raw energy of the West became the very bedrock of his artistic vision. The hardships faced by his family instilled within him an acute awareness of the struggles and triumphs inherent in the American experience – themes that would dominate his canvases for decades to come. A pivotal encounter at age nine with Chester Harding, a traveling portraitist passing through Franklin, Missouri, ignited a spark. This brief exposure wasn’t merely an introduction to technique; it was a revelation of art's power to capture not just likeness but the very essence of human character. Though largely self-taught initially, Bingham honed his skills through apprenticeships with cabinet makers, learning meticulous draftsmanship and an eye for detail – qualities that would become hallmarks of his mature style. By nineteen, he was already earning a living as a portrait painter, demonstrating an innate talent that quickly established him within the local community. This early success propelled him towards St. Louis, a vibrant hub where he sought to refine his skills and immerse himself in a growing artistic milieu.
Bingham’s artistic journey wasn't confined by formal training; it was deeply interwoven with the world around him – the majestic Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the bustling river towns teeming with life, and the diverse individuals who navigated this dynamic landscape. He became a keen observer of American society, particularly along these vital waterways that served as arteries of commerce and migration. His style gradually evolved, embracing elements of Luminism, an artistic movement characterized by its emphasis on atmospheric effects and the subtle interplay of light. This is strikingly evident in works like Order at the Border (1850), where the golden hues of the setting sun illuminate a tense negotiation between settlers and Native Americans, imbuing the scene with both beauty and underlying tension. However, Bingham wasn’t simply a Luminist painter; he infused his work with a powerful dose of realism, striving to depict American life with unflinching honesty and authenticity. The County Election (1844) stands as perhaps his most iconic representation of this approach – a vibrant tableau capturing the boisterous energy and democratic spirit of frontier politics. The painting isn’t merely a depiction of an event; it's a social commentary, offering insights into the values, anxieties, and aspirations of 19th-century Americans. His ability to capture the essence of American culture is also powerfully displayed in St. Louis Jockey, on the Battlefield (1862), a poignant reflection on the Civil War’s impact on everyday life, revealing the subtle scars left upon the nation's psyche.
Throughout his career, Bingham consistently returned to themes central to the American experience: westward expansion, political participation, the rhythms of river life, and the complexities of human interaction. He wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, often embedding subtle social commentary within seemingly straightforward depictions of everyday scenes. His paintings weren't simply aesthetically pleasing; they were narratives, offering glimpses into the moral and ethical dilemmas facing a young nation grappling with its identity. Consider Raftsmen Playing Cards, or The Checker Players, both capturing moments of leisure but also hinting at the hardships and uncertainties faced by those who worked the rivers. These works demonstrate Bingham’s skill in imbuing seemingly mundane activities with a sense of depth and significance. He wasn't interested in idealizing the frontier; he sought to portray it as it was – a place of opportunity, hardship, and constant change. His paintings offer a valuable historical record, providing insights into the social customs, political attitudes, and daily lives of Americans during a pivotal period in their history. Family Life on the Frontier (1845) exemplifies this approach, offering a tender yet realistic portrayal of domesticity amidst the challenges of pioneer existence. Even his portraits, like that of Samuel Bullitt Churchill, reveal a psychological depth beyond mere physical representation.
Despite his prominence during his lifetime, Bingham’s work experienced a period of relative obscurity following his death in 1879. It wasn't until the 1930s that a renewed interest in his art emerged, fueled by a growing appreciation for American Regionalism and Realism. This rediscovery led to a reevaluation of his contributions to American art history, recognizing him as a master of both Luminist technique and social commentary. By the time of his bicentennial in 2011, George Caleb Bingham had firmly established himself as one of the greatest American painters of the 19th century. His influence continues to resonate today, inspiring artists who seek to capture the beauty and complexity of the American landscape and its people. His legacy extends beyond his individual paintings; he helped define a distinctly American artistic voice, one that celebrated the nation’s unique character and confronted its challenges with honesty and insight.
Canvassing for a Vote: A powerful depiction of political engagement on the frontier.
Order No. 11: Illustrates the complexities of interactions between settlers and Native Americans.
Lighter Relieving the Steamboat Aground: Captures a moment of rural American life with stunning detail.
Exploring Bingham’s world through reproduction allows art enthusiasts to connect with his masterpieces in a tangible way, preserving his legacy for generations to come.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/george-caleb-bingham-order-no-11-8YDKV2-en/
Look closely
Order No. 11 — George Caleb Bingham
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Order No. 11" can be examined layer by layer on the artwork's X-Ray page, a viewer inspired by a conservator's light bench with eleven optical readings of the image.
"Order No. 11" by George Caleb Bingham is a landscape composition. The proportions are worth checking before choosing a print size.
Works similar to "Order No. 11" are listed on the artwork's Similars page.