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Book Talk - The Painter's Fire with Zara Anishanslin

Sunday, February 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Spend the afternoon at Morven exploring art and revolution with author Zara Anishanslin. This talk will feature her new book, The Painter's Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution. This program is held in partnership with the William Trent House Museum.

The war that we now call the American Revolution was not only fought in the colonies by soldiers with muskets and bayonets. On both sides of the Atlantic, artists also played an integral role in forging revolutionary ideals. Discover the inspiring stories and intertwined lives of three of these largely forgotten Patriot artists: Robert Edge Pine, Prince Demah, and Patience Wright. They defied the British monarchy, armed with paint, canvas, wax, and espionage while risking their lives and reputations to support the cause of liberty.

Delve into these stories and more at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Your program ticket includes access to visit the museum any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the day of the event. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing with the author.

But wait, there’s more!

Looking for more programming on artists and the American Revolution? Save the date for February 7, 2026, for “The Life and Times of Prince Demah” with Zara Anishanslin and the William Trent House Museum. Prince Demah was the only known enslaved artist working in colonial America whose paintings have survived to the present day. Learn more by visiting williamtrenthouse.org/upcoming.

These talks are held in partnership with the William Trent House Museum and Morven Museum & Garden. Join us in spring 2026 the next programs in our partnership series featuring Dr. Lucia McMahon:

• Women and Military Encampments During the American Revolution, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the William Trent House Museum
• New Jersey Women’s Revolutionary Experiences, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Morven Museum & Garden

About the Author

Zara Anishanslin is Associate Professor of History and Art History at the University of Delaware. She is the author of the award-winning Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World and has served as a historical consultant for the Philadelphia Art Museum as well as “Hamilton: The Exhibition.”

Photo credit: Catherine Hamilton Bernhardt photographer.

FOR MORVEN MEMBERS

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