The History and Impact of the STL Art Museum
From historic pieces to the halls of creativity, it’s all in the St. Louis Art Museum
Founded in 1879 as the St. Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts, the St. Louis Art Museum (S.L.A.M) has been an STL landmark for over a century. But what impact does art have on St. Louis? Why is it important to our culture?
Originally an independent unit of Washington University, this famed museum has a rich history that would be foolish to ignore. After the World’s Fair it was moved from downtown St. Louis to Forest Park, and since has been divided into sections such as African, American, Ancient and Islamic, Asian, etc. But what pieces call these marble halls their home, and what historic weight do they hold?
S.L.A.M is home to a crown jewel of impressionist art, Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies”. Painted in 1926, this painting was added to the St. Louis Art Museum’s collection thirty years later in 1956. This beautiful piece depicts a scene of utter bliss, of water lilies floating on blue-green water. Monet masterfully crafted this piece and it has turned into a staple of impressionism.
In addition, another piece hosted by this historic gallery is “The County Election” by George Caleb Bingham. Painted in 1852, Bingham showcased the diversity of this time period, from politicians forcing their party ticket upon men in line to drunkards being dragged to the polls. One is transpor
ted to this scene through the artist’s vivid interpretation of the time period. Through Bingham’s skill many have been able to relive an era long expired.
Another piece featured in the beautifully decorated Gallery 216 is “Sinking of the Titanic” by Max Beckmann. On view since the 80’s, this painting has the power to bring swelling emotions to viewers. Including myself, upon gazing at this painting one can feel the desperation of the passengers aboard the Titanic. Beckmann put on full display the agony and torture that these people went through in their last moments, using dark blues and greens to symbolize the somber and hopeless setting. This artist certainly used his brushstrokes to paint a scene of sadness.
While these pieces of art are beautiful, are the arts all that essential to our lives in a practical manner? The conclusion is yes. The arts in St. Louis means business. According to the R.A.C, “The nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $590.9 million industry in the Greater St. Louis Area – one that supports 19,129 *full-time equivalent jobs and generates $57.7 million in local and state government revenue.” Thus meaning that arts have brought a lot of money into the St. Louis region just like other businesses. Furthermore we sought out Mrs. Lizzie Vogel an art teacher at Westminster and asked for her perspective on S.L.A.M. “The Art Museum is a place where one can go to literally see visual history, visual moments from the past when they had no cameras, masterful work from the world’s most talented artists while [being] filled with emotions responding to the beauty and mystery of each piece.” Vogel remarks that the St. Louis Art Museum is similar to a photograph. It is a freeze frame for a specific time that without the art of that time period we would never understand or experience.
Visual art has within it the power to make people cry, tip the economic scale, and just exist for the sake of it. Overall, the St. Louis Art Museum is an outpost for creativity and wonder.
