A hybrid fellow’s forum with Jayne Yantz, art historian from July 20, 2023. Recording available.
About the Presentation
This presentation investigates Jefferson’s use of art and architecture for crafting a vision of America, which for Jefferson included the natural resources of this new land and its native inhabitants. The design of Monticello, its art, and its native material culture all became part of the visitor’s experience when coming to Monticello. This presentation analyzes Jefferson’s intentions and architectural designs, his ideas about culture and aesthetics, and his attitudes toward Native Americans, all considered within the context of the Enlightenment, early Colonial Art, and Jefferson’s personal world view. Specifically, what did Jefferson really want to say by exhibiting Native American artifacts in his entrance hall?
About Jayne Yantz
Jayne Yantz is an art historian who studied at The University of Rochester, The Ohio State University, The University of Delaware, and Princeton University, where she completed a mid-career fellowship. She is currently teaching at Rutgers University and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where she is slated to present a new fall 2023 course on Native Arts of North America, which includes the world of Jefferson and Early Colonial Art. She is particularly interested in Global art and cultural exchange, and has been recognized several times for teaching excellence, including an award for Teacher of the Year. She travels extensively in support of her research and lives in the Pinelands in Southern New Jersey on a nature preserve.