Reference no: EM133964003

1. Fine art paintings and cartoon can be analyzed in the same way, using the principles of symbolism, messaging, and visual storytelling

For example: the color of the sky, the direction the wind is blowing her dress, or the expressions of the retreating figures can tell you just as much about the artist's message as a train or telegraph wire.

Mythical woman flying through the air (often interpreted as a goddess or spirit of progress) Light sky in the East / dark clouds in the West "School Book" in her hand Telegraph wire trailing behind her as she moves westward Covered wagons and a U.S. Mail wagon traveling west Steam trains moving toward the frontier Every figure and vehicle in the image is moving westward Miners and farmers with oxen and plows Indigenous people depicted in stereotypical Plains-style clothing, retreating into the darkened edge of the image Wild animals, including buffalo and a bear, also fleeing westward into the shadows Log cabin on the frontier Mountain range in the distance City buildings in the background, likely representing a major eastern hub such as St. Louis or Chicago, marking the edge of the settled lands during this period

2. Interpretation - What is the action in the image, and what is the message being conveyed? Get reliable and affordable assignment help today!  

The artist's message is that the settlement of the West is going to bring enlightenment and civilization, as evidenced by the goddess of progress flying westward, laying telegraph wire, and carrying a book to bring education and communication to the "dark" places in the image. (notice how i used the exact wording above as part of my answer) While I personally disagree with this message, the artist was clearly a proponent of Manifest Destiny. He used light vs. dark symbolism, the presence of trains, farms, and cities to show that "progress" was moving forward, and the Indigenous peoples and animals fleeing into the shadows as representations of what was being pushed aside.

3. Reflection - Does the image clearly communicate its message? Why or why not? Reflect on how the symbolism works and whether the image still makes sense today.