Spirit of '76

Archibald M. Willard

Spirit of ‘76

Oil on Canvas

61cm x 45 cm (24in x 18in)

1875

Archibald M. Willard (1836-1918) was an American painter who fought in the Civil War.  He painted “The Spirit of ‘76” (previously known as “Yankee Doodle”) after seeing a parade in his hometown of Wellington, Ohio.  He used his father as the model for the middle character.  Willard painted several later versions which traveled around the country, but they all evoke the same feelings of honor, pride, and love.  Seeing these three men marching for their country, marching through the battlefield playing music, is something so beautiful and simple.  It is no wonder it evokes such powerful feelings from those who stand before it. 

J. C. Smith  said of this painting, “It is considered to be one of our nation’s most inspirational and patriotic paintings and destined to have everlasting appeal!”