Peale Came, Bells Ringing at Last

Art Historical Context

**Peale Came, Bells R at Last** is a compelling drawing by Solon H Borglum, crafted between 1918 and1919. Borglum (1868–1922), a leading American sculptor and brother to Mount Rushmore creator Gutzonlum, was renowned for his realistic bronze works depicting equestrian scenes and frontier life. This piece, from the Smithsonian American Museum's collection (gift of Mr. and Mrs. A. Mervyn Davies showcases his talent extending to two-dimensional media, capturing intimate human moments with precise line work and subtle shading typical of early 20th-century draftsman techniques. The evocative title, paired with tags of "church" and "figure group," suggests a joyous gathering in a sacred space, where bells ring triumphantly—likely evoking the elation of World War I's Armistice in November 1918. Created amid global relief from conflict, the drawing reflects the era's emotional resonance, transforming a simple medium into a snapshot of communal celebration and hope. As a drawing, it highlights Borglum's versatility, possibly a study or standalone reflection on peace's arrival. Visitors to the Smithsonian will appreciate how this modest work distills historical fervor into enduring visual poetry, bridging sculpture's monumentality with drawing's immediacy.