The artworks assembled in this fascinating exhibition invite visitors to experience the creation of The County Election by renowned Missouri painter George Caleb Bingham. The exhibition also illustrates how Bingham transformed the iconic painting into a widely-circulated print. Featured works include all known drawings for the painting, The County Election itself, and a number of related prints. Together these reveal Bingham’s careful process for producing one of his greatest successes.

The refined and highly detailed quality of the 18 drawings in the exhibition demonstrates the attention Bingham devoted to the characterization of his figures. Used to work out various gestures and poses, the drawings were methodically executed with a three-step technique of pencil drawing, ink wash, and dry brush. Their incredibly deliberate style and finished state indicate that they were part of an advanced stage of planning.

The exhibition also includes images of the painting’s underdrawings. Through infrared reflectography, a technique that uses infrared light to look through layers of paint, the drawings on the primed canvas are exposed. These underdrawings, although similar in scale and general outline to the drawings on paper, are more schematic and suggestive. They are an intermediate step between the drawings on paper and the final painted figures.

The County Election painting is the culmination of Bingham’s thoughtful preparation. With his figures arranged in a powerful scene of democratic expression, Bingham created an extremely appealing subject. It capitalized on the national fascination with politics and satisfied the widespread taste for scenes of varied and contrasting characters.

Bingham continued The County Election project with a series of prints. By offering the composition for sale in this affordable medium, he was able to maximize awareness of his artistic prowess and increase his financial return. The County Election print was so successful that Bingham painted two more election subjects, producing a three-part Election Series. Prints of all three works, including a rare impression of The Verdict of the People, are featured in the exhibition.

George Caleb Bingham: The Making of “The County Election” will be on view October 12, 2007, through March 9, 2008, in Cohen Gallery (313). The exhibition is made possible by the generosity of Bank of America. It is curated by Andrew Walker, assistant director for curatorial affairs and curator of American art, and Janeen Turk, curatorial assistant.

Explore the interactive program by clicking here.