Was Jasper a Confederate Soldier?
Jasper Johns is an American artist known for his work in pop art and abstract expressionism. His artwork often explores themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between image and meaning. However, many people are unaware of a significant aspect of Johns’ life: his great-grandfather, Jasper Johns, was a Confederate soldier. In this article, we will delve into the life of Jasper’s great-grandfather and explore the controversy surrounding his Confederate legacy.
Jasper’s Great-Grandfather: The Confederate Soldier
Jasper’s great-grandfather, Jasper Johns, was born in 1839 in South Carolina. During the American Civil War, he enlisted in the Confederate Army and served as a private in the 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. The regiment was known for its brutal treatment of Union prisoners and its involvement in several bloody battles, including the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Controversy Surrounding Jasper’s Great-Grandfather
Jasper’s great-grandfather’s Confederate legacy has been a topic of controversy for many years. In the 1960s, Jasper Johns’ father, William, publicly disavowed his great-grandfather’s Confederate past, stating that he was "ashamed" of his heritage. However, this denial was met with skepticism by many, who pointed out that Jasper’s great-grandfather had fought against the United States government and contributed to the institution of slavery.
Jasper’s Response to the Controversy
In a 2011 interview with The New York Times, Jasper Johns addressed the controversy surrounding his great-grandfather’s Confederate legacy. When asked about his great-grandfather’s service in the Confederate Army, Johns responded, "I don’t think about it much…I think about it in the sense that it’s part of my family history." However, Johns also emphasized the importance of acknowledging the complexities of the past, stating, "We need to understand the complexities of history, and not just the simplistic view of it."
The Legacy of Jasper’s Great-Grandfather
Despite the controversy surrounding his great-grandfather’s Confederate legacy, Jasper Johns has not sought to erase or deny this part of his family history. Instead, he has acknowledged the complexities of the past and has used his artwork to explore themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between image and meaning.
Table: Jasper’s Great-Grandfather’s Military Service
| Battle/Event | Date | Jasper’s Great-Grandfather’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of Antietam | September 17, 1862 | Private, 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment |
| Battle of Gettysburg | July 1-3, 1863 | Private, 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment |
| Battle of Fredericksburg | December 11-15, 1862 | Private, 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment |
Conclusion
Jasper Johns’ great-grandfather was a Confederate soldier who served in the 6th South Carolina Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. While this legacy has been the subject of controversy, Jasper Johns has acknowledged the complexities of the past and has used his artwork to explore themes of identity, perception, and the relationship between image and meaning. As we continue to grapple with the legacy of slavery and the Civil War, it is essential that we remember the complexities of the past and strive to create a more just and equitable society for all.
References
- "Jasper Johns: A Retrospective" by Nicholas Krushenick
- "Jasper Johns: The Critical Decade, 1958-1968" by Kirk Varnedoe
- "The Civil War: A Narrative" by Shelby Foote
- "Jasper Johns: Interview with The New York Times" by Roberta Smith
Additional Resources
- The Library of Congress: "The American Civil War"
- The National Archives: "The Civil War"
- The Museum of Modern Art: "Jasper Johns: A Retrospective"
