This years Inauguration Ceremonies of President-elect Barack Obama celebrate the 200th birthday (Feb. 12, 1809) of President Abraham Lincoln whom many consider to be have been one of our greatest Presidents ever. In celebration of Lincoln’s accomplishments the ceremonies will contain items of historical significance to the Lincoln Presidency, including Yosemite Valley. To commemorate Lincoln’s signing of the 1864 Yosemite Grant, which set aside Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias as a public reserve, a Thomas Hill painting of Yosemite Valley will be featured at the 2009 Inaugural Luncheon.
The luncheon held in Statuary Hall is a keystone event of the Inauguration Ceremonies and features the President and Vice President Elect, their families, select members of Congress, the Supreme Court, cabinet designees and about 200 guests.
For more information on the Inauguration events, the Luncheon and Thomas Hill’s painting be sure to visit inaugural.senate.gov.
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3 responses to “Thomas Hill Painting of Yosemite Backdrop for Inaugural Luncheon”
It is reported that the theme of the Inauguration Night is going to be Abraham Lincoln and California. How exciting is that to the citizens of the state of California.
The menu, as described by the committee:
*Seafood Stew accompanied by Duckhorn Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
*Brace of American birds (pheasant and duck), served with Sour Cherry Chutney and Molasses Sweet Potatoes and accompanied by Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
*Apple Cinnamon Sponge Cake and Sweet Cream Glacé , with Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée,” California Champagne
According to the inaugural committee, Old Abe “favored simple foods, including root vegetables and wild game. As his tastes matured, he become fond of stewed and scalloped oysters. For dessert or a snack, nothing pleased him more than a fresh apple or an apple cake.”
To maintain the Lincoln theme, the meal will be served on replicas of Lincoln’s White House china.
The wines? All from California, home state of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the congressional inaugural committee. To maintain the California theme, Thomas Hill’s painting, “View of the Yosemite Valley,” will hang behind Barack Obama at the head table.
Art is so much a history of the evolving EcoCulture of this country, EcoCulture as defined by Professor Lea Parker as an evolving awareness and appreciation of the environment. That an art image was used at a presidential inauguration event attests to the importance art as a format for communicating messages.
It was wonderful to be reminded of Lincoln’s connection to Yosemite, and to learn that this inspirational work (and place) was part of the inaugural festivities. Thanks so much for posting this picture–a perfect image for the day. Painted in 1865 and entitled “View of the Yosemite Valley,” the work was likely loaned by the New York Historical Society, one of several institutes and museums around the country that owns paintings by Hill.
Thanks to “Ahwahnee,” too, for describing the menu, which sounds delicious. 🙂