"Rocco v. Troiani (another take on this debate)" Topic

Thanks for all the input on the Troiani v. Rocco debate. I'd like to add another dimension to this conversation that may help sort out why we feel the way we do about these two outstanding military artists.

In general, I would regard Troiani as working in a sub-genre of art that might be called 'Heroic Military Artwork.' A common theme in his work is that he makes a very deliberate effort to paint soldiers who are inspiring heroes. They represent the best of their generation. Loyal and devoted to the cause to which they have pledged their lives. There are no skulkers in his world. All of his soldiers are handsome, well-built men – dashing figures who face danger and death without flinching. Every soldier he paints could be featured in a Marine Corps advertisement – or in GQ magazine for that matter.

In contrast, at least some of Rocco's artwork seems to me to be less interested in celebrating heroism and bravery. I would call this sub-genre "Military Realism." His paintings can be much more dreary, with lots of mud and dark skies. His characters look much less inspiring, and some are even scared, filled with dread as they face death. I think he especially emphasizes this in his non-battle scenes, where soldiers appear weary and bedraggled, enduring the mud and misery of soldier life.

Rick Reeves's artwork sits somewhere in between these two groups. His likes to depict soldiers in tattered uniforms, but it seems he shares Troiani's passion for inspiring, handsome heroic figures.

I think they paint either what interests them, or for commercial artists who need to make a living, what will sell.

I am a huge Troiani fan and own five of his prints. I also like Rocco's prints but do not own any.

Off topic, I really like Tom Freeman's prints for ships, Trudgian and Robert Taylor for air action.

I would agree with your characterization. I'm a huge Rocco fan. I am amazed at the research and detail that goes into his work. I know that applies to Troiani also.
In his painting of the 2nd Wisconsin at Gettysburg Rocco shows Colonel Fairchild wearing a kepi. It always seemed odd that Fairchild would be the only man in the regiment without a Hardee hat until I saw the kepi (labeled Lucious Fairchild's kepi worn at Gettysburg) at the Veteran's Museum in Madison Wisconsin. Just one example.

What McWong73 said! Rocco and Troiani paint what sells and what clients request of them……This does not mean they should be labelled a sub-genre……They each have their own style just like Angus McBride, or David Sheperd or Terence Cuneo….Constable etc all different all have different styles and an artists own view of the subject. Don't you just love beautiful paintings no matter which artist…….

Marcus, you seem to miss my point entirely. The term "sub-genre" is not communicating any kind of criticism. Rather, I'm trying to suggest that these two painters are approaching a common subject with very different motivations. It is a lot more than having "their own style."

Speaking personally, I love the quality of Troiani's artistry and fine attention to detail – not to mention his outstanding historical research. There may be no equal. On the other hand, just for once I'd like to see him paint a soldier that didn't look like a fashion model or super hero from the comics. In his battle scenes, I'd prefer to see at least some of his figures looking scared, full of dread and ready to their pants. That would bring his artwork a little closer to the real world.

To this end, I think at least SOME of Rocco's artwork tells the true story of combat better. In a number of his paintings, he is less interested in glorifying war and emphasizing the heroic elements of combat. This is why Rocco gets my vote for the best of the best.

n his painting of the 2nd Wisconsin at Gettysburg Rocco shows Colonel Fairchild wearing a kepi. It always seemed odd that Fairchild would be the only man in the regiment without a Hardee hat until I saw the kepi (labeled Lucious Fairchild's kepi worn at Gettysburg) at the Veteran's Museum in Madison Wisconsin. Just one example.
>>
Iron Brigade officers routinely wore kepi's.Troiani depicts one in the 24th MI print I posed for..

Bob