Medicine and the Civil War

Billy R Langston

Oct 28, 2011

American History I

Professor Smith

John Gast painted this picture in 1872 on commission for George Crofutt. George Crofutt was a publisher of a popular series of western travel guides. Crofutt engraved it on onto his guidebooks.

The painting is historical. It depicts development of the western United States. The Indians precede the American explorers. The Indians are portrayed as running from the encroaching change. The Indians are looking back. It could be in fear of the advancement. You also notice the bison running from the development. The means of travel for the Indians is simple. The American explorers precede the American settlers and farmers. In the background you notice a city. Cities are indicative of civilization.

The picture conveys movement. The Indians, Bison, explores, settlers, farmers, stage coach, cattle, train, boats, clouds and the floating female are all moving. The Americans are all facing and looking forward. Forward movement is always considered positive and hopeful. Some of the Indians are looking behind them. The Indians in the travois are riding backwards. The Indians were losing their homes, lands and way of life. This conveys loss, remorse and fear.

The female in the forefront is angelic in appearance. This angelic symbol aligns itself with God. Therefore, must be considered good. She is painted in light colors. Being Godly is associated with light colors. She is floating as angels are perceived to do. She has a school book in her hands this symbolizes education, a testimony to Americans intelligence. She is also carrying a telephone wire that unfolds and stretches throughout the land. She is wearing a star on her head. Crofutt called this the "Star of Empire." This helps conveys her role in the vision of the American destiny.

There is also a stark contrast of light and dark. In the East, Gast used light colors and in the West he used dark colors. Light portrays goodness, Godliness, holiness and hope. Darkness depicts the unknown, evil and fear.

The painting is dynamic. It shows Americas past, the evolving present and a vision of what is to be.