American Progress

John Gasts picture show, American Progress, illustrates numerous depictions of the early movement and development of the joined States. This special painting defines uniqueness and character end-to-end. Looking at it geographically the saint portrayed in the middle is floating western hemisphereward as though she is exemplifying the Westward Expansion. She has the Star of Empire imprinted on her forehead, which better portrays the appraisal of her toilsome to move westward.This painting is a vast description of our sylvans economical progress and expansion. Gast artistically explains the present day fall in States as nice ci repulsions along rivers with big buildings and churches along the right limit of this painting. This scene is also shown as being happy and awakening because of the impudent sun rays being shown down upon it. The city is supposed to represent a growing city along the mighty Mississippi River. You are fitted to see the evolution of transportation throu gh boats and railroads.The three briny world-wide rail right smarts are shown departing from this city, and the beautiful paragon in the middle is carrying the telegraph stemma which eventually linked the nation together. She is also carrying with her around type shallow book, which to me represents intellectual ideas being pass out throughout the country. In the background lavatory her lies umteen rolling hills and plush green grass. There is not many trees in this portrait, but the atomic number 6 capped mountains on the left over(p) and the great plains on the right depict a great deal of get diversity from sailing to coast.There are also many cattle, Indians, buggy horses, bears, and other ill-advised game trying to flee her approach towards the west and eventually into the storms and waves of the Pacific coast. Although she seems very divine in appearance some may comport her intentions as revolting. Her central idea seems as though she is trying to spread the e conomical progress throughout the entire fall in States. Emotionally this is a very strong painting because of its detail and significance. When I first looked at this painting it made me think of Manifest Destiny.The angel in the middle attempting to emigrate westward defines the meaning of manifest destiny. many a(prenominal) thought it was Gods belief that the United States would expand from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast. I also felt another tie to my previous assumption when I noticed the thaumaturge on her forehead. I felt it had great importance so I began to acknowledge her milieu and I realized it was the Star of Empire, which signifies westward movement as swell. The star is a bright golden color, al more or less identical to rays of exonerated being exposed upon new land.She is wearing a long, s centeringing white adorn which is also significant because the color white signifies freedom. Her bright golden, blonde pig also signifies the presence of God to me. Her presence in this painting is not just for beauty but for great importance. I have of all snip felt strongly about the spread of equality throughout our nation, and to me it seems as though she is trying to spread the superior life-style across the United States. The book in her arm represents that she is trying to spread intelligence and the command of literacy.It was very rare in the past for many people to be up to(p) to both read and write, and with the spread of civilization trying to take place it is very important that she also spread the gift of t for each oneing. I also believe that she is trying to spread the connection of communication throughout the country by carrying the telegraph cord in her other hand. This became a very important facet of our country, because many of the connections and deals made over time would not have been made possible without communication.When I looked more towards the left side of the painting I noticed it was very dark and gloomy . coincidently that happened to be the way everyone was fleeing, which in my mind represents everyone trying to wetting freedom and return to normalcy among themselves. These men, women, and animals look as though they are panicky of the angel hovering over them, but ideally they are trying to escape normal civilization. This painting portrays many different stands and central ideas depending on which way it is observed.I feel from my point of view that I was able to find that the theme is based on moving forward in society. As seen on the right side of this portrait, the eastern United States progressed sooner than the west, and many frontiersmen are afraid of this new lifestyle. It seems as though the angel is trying to help everyone move forward and develop a new way of living and become more acquainted with this innovative way of living. No one copes very well with change, and like-wise neither did the Indians, farmers, and all of the other wild animals.These individuals ha d to manage survival with whatever nature skills they had. The mountainous region on the left side of the painting is covered with dark, rainy clouds and white snow caps. This symbolizes harsh climates and bad conditions for any type of living. Some of the animals may not be used to the western climates and may not be able to adapt quickly enough before facing the edge of extinction. The angel present in the center of the painting is able to help spread this central idea of moving on by her presence and what she brings with her.The gloss of her long, curly hair exemplifies traits from Jesus Christ. Her intentions are as His would be, and that is to create joy and equality throughout. The gleaming star on her forehead also ties into the of import theme through the concept of Manifest Destiny. I believe the star has the most significance of any object in the painting when referring to the main theme. The principle of the star represents the same significance as the main theme peopl e are trying to move forward in society.This entire painting depicts the importance of this exploration to the western United States. Everything is explained in holy artistic form from the bright, sunshiny city on the right to the dark, gloomy coast on the left. The depiction of the angel in the middle is obviously the most important characteristic of this painting, but she also brings a lot of contend for whether or not she is subsiding good or bad watch on our country. There are many details and translations that can be looked at from many different angles depending on the persons manoeuver of thought.I have explained in every detail the way I feel about this painting and the way I sensed each direction of the artists feelings. John Gast has a great connotation of each perception in his painting, and uses many features to depict different portions of his historied artwork. Many great Americans can agree with the central concept of this painting and will be able to grasp the i mplications behind each token portrayed in the painting. I personally feel that this painting is well thought out and had great meaning behind each aspect.