Three weeks after the other artists were engaged, the last image was still giving fits. How to teach about Benedict Arnold, someone I have always loved for who he was early in the war and for whom I grieve for what he became. The image came all at once and then finding the perfect artist Glen Edward followed. This is where we teach the necessity of remaining true. While this image could have focused on the many miraculous events that lined up to keep Fort West Point in American Hands after the careful betrayal was instigated, we choose to focus on the man, Benedict Arnold. This painting would have to be symbolic and tell much more than what is apparent, because the icon of Benedict Arnold is so poignant. Arnold is one of the seven truly great military leaders on the American side. No one was braver, more intelligent or valiant than he. In this painting we see Benedict Arnold opening the door to a future that he cannot see because of the reflection in the glass. We see that he is bent and sneaking forward symbolic of his treachery. We only see part of his face because that is all history lets of us see of anyone. The reflected image in the glass is distorted because the glass of this era was not perfect, but also symbolic of the distorted image history leaves of the real event. The Reflection has an evening grayish hue symbolic of this grey time in Arnold’s life. The ability to choose light or darkness was his but he had put himself in the grey area where correct choices are more difficult. Behind and captured in the reflection is Fort West Point, a church and a family. This is symbolic of the betrayal of God, Family and Country. If you look closely at the family you will see that it is Benedict Arnold’s own family, and it was their future that he really sold out. The saddest part of this story is that this happened so close to the end of the war. The conflict was almost over and history would have exonerated him for all of his wrongs if he had been able to just hold the course a little longer.
The Temptations of Arnold is so symbolic of the temptations that can cause any of us to fall if we give place. In some ways it seems unfair that Arnold had all of these.
First it was pride. Congress snubbed Arnold by not paying his legitimate expenditures until after Washington intervened. Credit for some of Arnold’s great achievements was stolen at least temporarily by lesser, but more political men. While he was legitimately wronged and snubbed, it was of his own weakness that the injury was fed and propagated.
Second was a physical challenge as he was wounded twice in the same place on his hip. The pain and prospect of life as a cripple for someone as active as Arnold may have induced depression.
Third was the challenge of addiction. Arnold at this time was drinking heavily. We know what this can do to moral fortitude.
The fourth was another form of artificial escape as he began gambling and thus was far into debt.
The last great challenge was bad company. He was married to a Tory British sympathizer wife. While we sit in judgment of Arnold we must ask ourselves, “am I as valiant as the early Arnold? And would I remain faithful if facing these same challenging circumstances? Am I failing in my duty at this late date in our republic as many are selling their souls and future, their posterity and their God for debt induced security and the spoils of government garnered plunder?
If we recognize these soul destroying temptations for what they are how can I avoid them in my life?
Glen Edwards Says...
"This country began with a constitution conceived and written by inspired men who loved their country, believed in God and the unalienable rights of free men and women; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
There are those who would create chaos, rewrite history and the constitution, and destroy God, family and a way of life that promotes patriotism, self worth, accomplishment and freedom to choose.
This project is a badly needed reminder of who we are, what we are losing and a warning that time is of the essence. It encourages us to be active in preserving our God-given way of life for ourselves and for future generations."
Sample Artwork...
The bright light of the new era of freedom bursts forth upon a signed and completed United States Constitution. The five miracles establishing the Declaration are not complete without the miracle of the Constitution. Likewise the Constitution fails if not interpreted in light of the grand principles of the Declaration. The Constitution is the “how to” manual to deliver the promise of the Declaration. The Declaration is the pedigree of authority, the covenant and vows of marriage between God, the People and the government. The enemies of the Constitution, the enemies of religious principle and the enemies of the rights and responsibilities of the people despise the Declaration as the interpretive filter. God raised up wise men, inspired their words, fortified their resolve to complete and tempered their prejudice to bring together this, the world first written national Constitution. Larry Winborg’s love of this document is captured in his art. Benjamin Franklin said it well when this work was nearing completion. Reflecting upon the sun symbol on the back of Washington’s chair and the difficulty in telling if it was setting or rising. He now testified that it is a rising sun!
