Chrysler Museum

Chrysler Museum

Battle of Lake Erie, ca. 1934: In the summer of 1934 Woodruff spent six weeks in Mexico as an unpaid assistant to mural painter Diego Rivera, the leader of a vigorous, revolutionary public-art movement in that country. When Americans were called upon to decorate schools, post offices, and courthouses for the New Deal's public art projects, Mexican muralists like Rivera were their mentors. Rivera's monumental paintings glorifying the history of the Mexican people served as a practical guide for Woodruff's work.

- Posted on January 21, 2009
Submitted by AshtonB on Monday, 05/10/2010 - 09:01.

I am an artist and this piece is part of my private collection. I have decided to donate this piece to a local library for all of the children to see. It displays a part of American history and kids these days need to become more connected with our rich culture. The saying on the boat "Don't give up the ship" is also a good lesson for children to learn.

Submitted by Carlisa96 on Tuesday, 05/04/2010 - 09:09.

If I were a museum docent, I would chose The Battle of Lake Erie painting because I could explain what caused the battle and why the battle had to take place. This painting has a ship that appears to be sinking and the men on board are hanging on for dear life. The ship has an American flag being held by a man on the ship and it has a banner on the side that says," Don't Give Up The Ship."

Submitted by davis8 on Tuesday, 05/04/2010 - 08:57.

This piece of art is a one in a million masterpiece. It shows many hardships that people crossing an ocean or bay, the 1700's or possible1800's could have faced. The red, white, and blue contrast very spectactular in the painting, and it makes you really understand how they felt, while they were about to drown and then the others helping them out of the water.

Submitted by ClayDawg on Tuesday, 05/04/2010 - 08:56.

This artwork is so much more than a painting. This painting shows history and what America has been through. The painting The Battle of Lake Erie also shows how Americans will not give up, and are willing to stand up for what they believe. This really inspires me to stand up for what i believe. This painting belongs in a history museum to inspire many people

Submitted by ColeHumphrey5 on Monday, 05/03/2010 - 08:54.

This is a true masterpiece and it shows the pain that people back then went through. If you can understand this piece it is truly amazing. It grasp my attention and it makes me think.
This is inrtriguing piece.

Submitted by kayla100 on Wednesday, 04/28/2010 - 15:01.

The painting has three guys in it. One guy has his arm around the guy's neck like he's threatening to kill him, and the other guy is just standing there doing nothing about it.