Over thirty years ago I became friends with militaria collector and historical artist Don Troiani. I used to go to his studio and study military objects in his collection and model for a painting or two while I was there. It was always interesting to work with him and then see the finished battle scene or figure study. As I got older, I began reproducing clothing and equipment for his models to wear and became more a part of some of the preparation that it took to put out such well researched work. I also began to collect a few of his original figure studies for myself.
Last week I drove to Philadelphia for the opening reception of an exhibition of his work at the Museum of the American Revolution titled “Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War.” I was blown away by how well the museum put together the exhibit. Forty-six of his paintings all in one place with original objects from his study collection on display in cases around the art. I loaned a couple of my paintings but those were paltry compared to some loaned by other collectors.
The exhibit is laid out by time frame. It starts with the Boston Massacre and works through the start of the war on April 19, 1775, at Lexington Common and the North Bridge in Concord, and ends with the British surrender after the Battle of Yorktown. While I love his larger paintings, I enjoyed the smaller in-detail figure studies sprinkled in between. These smaller studies give a more in depth and detailed look at the uniform, arms, and equipment carried by the armies at different times during the war. An exhibit like this helps you visualize what you have read and brings it to life.
There was also a book published to go along with it. It’s an exhibit catalog but in hardcover showing all of the paintings, objects, but also includes artists comments that describe some of the research and techniques he used.
The museum itself is spectacular! It is well laid out with absolutely wonderful objects and educational displays. You work your way through the entire war and end in front of an auditorium. Inside is the Washington tent display and presentation that I can’t describe. All I can say is go see it.
The Troiani exhibit is up until September 5, 2022. If you are going to be near Philadelphia, stop at the museum and soak it all in. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
