Archibald Willard’s ‘Spirit’ Lives--Again and Again

“The Spirit of ‘76”--a painting of two drummers and a fife player marching across a Revolutionary War battleground--is coming to Columbus. Again and again and again.

The Ohio Historical Society is conducting a nationwide search for different versions of the painting, an original work of the 19th-Century American artist Archibald Willard of Wellington in northern Ohio.

Scholars think at least 10 of Willard’s versions of the painting exist, created at different times in his career.

“We feel it would be interesting for scholars and art critics to see those paintings side by side,” said Amos Loveday, chief curator for the historical society.

“Willard’s style changed over the course of his career. He was a man who did not have a lot of formal training. He learned the art as he grew.”

The society plans to open a Willard exhibit at its museum July 4, with the display lasting through September. It will include what are believed to be the first and last versions of “The Spirit of ‘76,” as well as some of Willard’s other work.

Loveday said it will be “a real service to the historic and artistic community.”

Willard lived from 1836 to 1918 and spent most of his adult life in Cleveland. He started his career decorating buggies and furniture before moving into oil painting about the time of the Civil War.

Later, his peers encouraged him to work on a patriotic painting to help celebrate the centennial of the United States. He painted his first “Spirit of ‘76” in 1875.

“It’s really one of the premier patriotic images in America,” said historical society spokeswoman Ann Frazier.

A 10- by 13-foot canvas version was displayed in Philadelphia for the centennial, then went on a railroad tour and is believed to be at Marblehead, Mass.

Until he died, Willard painted other versions, which can be found throughout the nation. One of them is in the office of Texas billionaire and potential presidential candidate Ross Perot.