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Why did figures such as George Washington and Giuseppe Garibaldi appear in folk art?

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rooster weather vane — Folk art Rooster weather vane, sheet and wrought iron, American, 19th century; in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C. 73.6 × 166.4 × 4.5 cm.

In the context of folk art, figures such as George Washington and Giuseppe Garibaldi appeared as popular subjects because folk artists frequently drew upon history, legend, and prominent figures to reflect the values and national identities of their respective cultures.1

These figures were not merely historical subjects but symbols of patriotism and liberation. In the United States, Washington served as an iconic representation of the nation's founding and ideals, while in Italy, Garibaldi was celebrated as a "man of the people" and a key leader in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification. Their frequent appearance in folk art—ranging from paintings to other decorative objects—highlights the folk artist's tendency to incorporate themes from the broader, sophisticated world into local, traditional creative expressions. By depicting such patriots, folk artists helped bring the significance of nationality and historical struggle home to the masses.12