"We Go for the Union"

Art Historical Context

### "We Go for the" Created by an anonymous American artist around 1840–1850, *We Go for the Union is a vibrant oil-on-canvas painting that captures the patriotic fervor of mid-19th-century America. Measuring 46.2 x 61.5 cm, this folk art gem reflects the era's naive yet heartfelt style, where everyday painters expressed national pride through bold colors and straightforward compositions. Donated to the National Gallery of Art by Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch—renowned collectors of American folk art—this work exemplifies the medium's accessibility, allowing regional artists to produce enduring scenes without formal training. The title boldly declares allegiance to the Union, evoking a time of growing sectional tensions before the Civil War and amid events like the Mexican-American War. Such imagery underscored unity and resolve, resonating with ordinary citizens rallying around democratic ideals. Oil on canvas provided a durable surface for vivid details, making it ideal for domestic display and public inspiration. Today, it offers a window into how folk artists wove personal devotion into the national fabric, reminding us of art's power to unite.

About the Artist

American 19th Century · 1800–1900

The artist cataloged as "American, 19th Century" represents a collective of unidentified painters active in the United States during the nineteenth century, with 380 known artworks preserved in this virtual museum's collection. These works span a diverse array of genres typical of the era, including portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and genre scenes, reflecting the burgeoning artistic output of ...