Peter Saul's foray into history paintings marks a distinctive and provocative period in his extensive career, reflecting his idiosyncratic approach to art and narrative. In 1975, Saul embarked on a series of major history paintings that reimagined pivotal moments and figures from the past, infusing them with his characteristic blend of satire, grotesque humor, and vibrant color. This phase of his work was epitomized by an exhibition titled "Peter Saul: Four Big Paintings," which included his reinterpretations of iconic artworks such as Picasso's Guernica and Paxton's Custer's Last Stand, as well as his version of Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware (George Adams Gallery).
Saul's engagement with history paintings was not just a mere replication of historical art but a dialogue with it, where he integrated his perspectives on various subjects, ranging from war to political figures. His versions were not constrained by traditional historical importance or accuracy but were a vehicle for his expressive, often critical, engagement with historical and contemporary themes. For instance, his Washington Crossing the Delaware diverges significantly from Leutze's original, not only in style but in its commentary, demonstrating Saul's inclination towards creating works that provoke thought and challenge conventional narratives (George Adams Gallery).
His history paintings, like much of his work, are characterized by an amalgamation of comic style, absurdity, and acute observation. Art critic John Yau noted Saul’s ability to intertwine figures in a manner reminiscent of Abstract Expressionism, heightened by a manic palette and meticulous attention to mayhem and violence, suggesting a deep engagement with the subject matter beyond its immediate shock value (Wikipedia).
Throughout his career, Saul has consistently defied easy classification, standing apart from specific art movements. This independence is particularly evident in his approach to history painting, where he utilizes historical and political subjects as fodder for his unique artistic commentary. Described as a "classic artist’s artist" and an "important practicing history painter," Saul has been recognized for his contributions to art that transcend traditional boundaries, offering viewers a complex, often jarring perspective on familiar historical narratives (Wikipedia).
Saul's history paintings, part of a broader body of work that spans decades, reflect his persistent exploration of societal, political, and cultural themes through a lens that is both critical and comically grotesque. His work invites viewers to reconsider the narratives and images that shape our understanding of history, making Saul a significant figure in the realm of contemporary art (George Adams Gallery).