Marcus Chen
John Gast's 1872 painting, 'American Progress', is a significant example of American Western Art, illustrating the country's westward expansion and the concept of Manifest Destiny. The painting, commissioned by George Crofutt, a publisher of American Western travel guides, depicts Columbia, the female personification of the United States, leading settlers westward. The painting conveys a sense of technological and cultural progress, with Columbia laying telegraph wires and carrying a schoolbook, symbolising education and enlightenment. The contrast between the light East and the dark West implies the idea of civilising the wild and unruly West, a justification for the conquering of Native American land. The absence of weapons and violence in the painting portrays westward expansion as a peaceful movement, contrasting with the historical reality of bloody conflicts and the destruction of natural habitats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1872 |
| Artist | John Gast |
| Medium | Chromolithograph |
| Publisher | Prang and Co. |
| Commissioner | George Crofutt |
| Subject | Manifest Destiny, American westward expansion |
| Central figure | Columbia, the female personification of the United States |
| Symbolism | Columbia's movement from East to West represents progress and the idea of Manifest Destiny; the contrast between the enlightened, civilized East and the wild, uncivilized West; the peaceful nature of westward expansion; the advancement of technology and transportation |
| Historical context | The painting reflects the nineteenth-century American belief in Manifest Destiny and the idea that westward expansion was a positive, inevitable force of progress |
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What You'll Learn
The painting's portrayal of manifest destiny
John Gast's 1872 painting, "American Progress", is a significant example of American Western Art, depicting the Manifest Destiny and westward expansion. The painting conveys a range of ideas and symbolism associated with the frontier in nineteenth-century America.
The painting's central figure is Columbia, the female personification of the United States. She wears "The Star of the Empire" on her head, symbolising the nation's destiny and enlightenment. In her right hand, she carries a school book, representing education, while her left hand lays a telegraph wire, connecting the nation. Columbia, or Lady Liberty, represents progress, moving from the light-skied East to the dark West, leading settlers who follow her by various means of transportation.
The painting portrays the East as enlightened and civilised, with technological advancements and education, while the West is depicted as wild and uncivilised, needing modernisation. This contrast justifies the notion of Manifest Destiny, suggesting that it was America's destiny to expand, spread technology, and civilise the untamed West. The painting also hints at the past, present, and future, conveying a dynamic story of progress and inevitability.
The groups of human figures, read from left to right, further emphasise this idea. Native Americans are shown on the left side, portrayed as an inferior group fleeing from the superior white settlers. This depiction reinforces the incorrect notion that Native Americans were uncivilised and that it was acceptable for Americans to take their land and force them to assimilate. The painting also shows farmers tilling a field in the Midwest, symbolising the region's development and colonisation.
"American Progress" was commissioned by George Crofutt, a publisher of American Western travel guides, and has been widely reproduced. The painting's portrayal of Manifest Destiny and westward expansion has been influential, but it also presents a one-sided view of history. While the painting depicts a peaceful expansion, the reality of America's westward expansion was often violent, involving bloody wars, broken treaties, and the destruction of natural habitats and ways of life.
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The personification of the US as Columbia
John Gast's 1872 painting, "American Progress", is a significant example of American Western Art, depicting the Manifest Destiny and westward expansion of the United States. At the centre of this painting stands Columbia, the female personification of the nation. Columbia, or Lady Liberty, embodies the idea of progress, leading settlers westward. In this painting, Columbia is not just a symbolic figure but also a representation of the beliefs and ideals that underpinned America's westward expansion.
Columbia, with "The Star of the Empire" on her head, is shown gliding over the landscape in a non-threatening manner, conveying a sense of peaceful expansion. Her right hand holds a book, an emblem of education and enlightenment, while her left hand stretches out a telegraph wire, symbolising the spread of intelligence and technology. Columbia's dress, described by George Crofutt as "diaphanous", adds to her allure and charm, making her a captivating figure in the painting.
The depiction of Columbia in "American Progress" reflects the widely held belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that Americans were destined to rule the continent and expand westward. This belief justified the conquering of the West, portraying it as a natural and inevitable civilising mission. The painting's composition, with Columbia moving from the enlightened East towards the dark, wild West, reinforces this notion of a destined expansion.
As Columbia moves westward, indigenous people and bison flee from her and the settlers who follow. This scene symbolises the forced relocation of Native Americans to smaller reservations, a tragic consequence of Manifest Destiny. The painting's portrayal of Native Americans as inferior and uncivilised reflects the cultural stereotypes and political ideas of the time. However, it is important to note that the peaceful tone of the painting, with minimal weapons, contrasts sharply with the violent reality of America's westward expansion, which involved bloody wars, massacres, and the destruction of natural habitats.
Through the personification of the US as Columbia, "American Progress" presents a complex and controversial vision of westward expansion. While the painting celebrates technological progress and the spread of education, it also perpetuates stereotypes and justifies the dispossession of Native American land. "American Progress" is a powerful reminder of the multiple narratives and perspectives that shape historical events, inviting viewers to reflect on the ideals and consequences of Manifest Destiny.
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The contrast between the 'civilised' East and 'uncivilised' West
The iconic painting "American Progress" by John Gast, created in 1872, is a symbolic representation of westward expansion in the United States during the 19th century. The artist depicts a clear contrast between the "civilized" East and the "uncivilized" West, using visual elements to convey this dichotomy. This contrast reflects the contemporary attitudes and beliefs that shaped the understanding of American expansion and the perceived destiny of the nation.
In the painting, the East is portrayed as a region of light, order, and civilization. It is characterized by well-established towns and cities, agricultural fields, and a sense of stability. The sun rises behind a feminine representation of Columbia, a personification of the United States, who embodies the ideals of liberty, enlightenment, and progress. She holds a guiding cord that symbolizes the telegraph, connecting the East and West, and marches forward with a confident stride, leading the way toward progress and civilization.
The West, on the other hand, is depicted as a region of darkness, wilderness, and uncivilized nature. It is shown as a land yet to be tamed, with wild animals, Native American communities, and untamed landscapes. The sun setting in the background adds to the sense of darkness and unknown dangers that lie ahead. The painting suggests that the West is awaiting the light of civilization, implying that it is the destiny of the nation to bring order and progress to these untamed lands.
The contrast between the two regions is further emphasized by the people depicted in the painting. In the East, we see farmers, families, and a sense of community, with people working together to build a prosperous and civilized society. In the West, however, there is a sense of chaos and disorder. Native Americans are shown fleeing on horseback, representing the perceived threat of the "uncivilized" indigenous populations who were often seen as obstacles to progress. The buffalo, a symbol of the wild West, is also shown running away from the advancing settlers, further emphasizing the theme of taming the wilderness.
The artistic portrayal of the West as uncivilized and in need of transformation reflects the mindset of the time, justifying the displacement of Native American communities and the exploitation of natural resources. It represents the belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States was destined to expand across the continent, bringing with it civilization and progress. This painting, while a product of its time, also serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with westward expansion, including the often-violent clashes between settlers and Native Americans, as well as the environmental impacts of unchecked development.
Through this painting, Gast captures the prevailing sentiments of his era, presenting a romanticized and idealized vision of westward expansion. The contrast between the civilized East and the uncivilized West served as a justification for the push westward, shaping the narrative of American exceptionalism and the belief in the nation's inevitable progress. "American Progress" remains a significant artifact that provides insight into how Americans of that period understood their history and their future prospects.
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The representation of technological progress
John Gast's 1872 painting, "American Progress", is a visual representation of the United States' westward expansion and technological advancement. The painting depicts Columbia, the female personification of the United States, leading settlers westward. With one hand, she carries a school book, an emblem of education, while with the other, she lays down telegraph wires, a symbol of modern communication. This contrasts with the simple Indian travois, covered wagons, and pony express depicted on the left side of the painting, representing the past. The painting thus conveys a sense of technological progress and the passage of time.
The painting also showcases the transportation technologies of the time, including stagecoaches, horseback riding, Conestoga wagons, wagon trains, and steam trains. These modes of transportation enabled settlers to move westward with greater ease and contributed to the sense of progress and expansion.
Another notable aspect of the painting is the contrast between the East and the West. The East, represented by New York City in the background, is portrayed as enlightened and civilized, with technological advancements and education. On the other hand, the West is depicted as dark, wild, and uncivilized, needing modernization. This contrast justifies the idea of Manifest Destiny, the belief that Americans were destined to expand and colonize the West.
The painting also hints at the future by including a faint figure of a church with a steeple and a cross, symbolizing the spread of Christianity during westward expansion. Additionally, the checks and Xs present in the painting represent land for sale, promoting railroad land sales and settlement.
Overall, "American Progress" serves as a visual encyclopedia of transportation technologies and a representation of the United States' technological progress and westward expansion. It conveys a sense of inevitability and justifies the notion of Manifest Destiny through its depiction of technological advancement and the contrast between the civilized East and the uncivilized West.
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The absence of violence in the painting
The painting shows a feminine personification of Manifest Destiny, often referred to as Columbia, leading the way westward. She is depicted as a beautiful, angelic figure, clothed in white and blue, carrying a shepherd's staff and an electrical cord that symbolizes the power of progress and civilization. Her serene and determined expression, with her eyes fixed on the distant horizon, sets the tone for the entire composition.
In the foreground, we see a mix of people from different walks of life joining the westward journey. Farmers, pioneers, and even a freed slave are shown tilling the soil, building homes, and planting trees. They are presented as peaceful settlers, working harmoniously together to cultivate and civilize the land. Notably, there is an absence of any visible weapons or signs of conflict among them.
Even the Native Americans, who are shown on the left side of the painting, are portrayed in a relatively peaceful manner. While they are depicted as startled by the approaching settlers, with some riding off on horseback, there is no overt depiction of violence or confrontation between the two groups. This contrasts sharply with the historical reality, which often involved forced removals, violent clashes, and broken treaties.
In conclusion, the absence of violence in "American Progress" is a deliberate choice by the artist to portray westward expansion as a harmonious and benign process. While the painting offers a romanticized view of history, it also reflects the prevailing attitudes and beliefs of the time. Analyzing this absence of violence provides valuable insight into how the expansion was perceived and justified by those who embraced the ideology of Manifest Destiny.
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Frequently asked questions
The painting 'American Progress' by John Gast is an important example of American Western Art, representing the Manifest Destiny and American westward expansion.
The painting portrays the West as a dark, wild, and uncivilized place that needs to be conquered and dominated by the enlightened, civilized people of the East, thus justifying the American westward expansion as a peaceful and positive movement.
The painting depicts Columbia, the female personification of the United States, leading settlers westward. The painting also shows the contrast between the developed East and the wild West, with farmers and settlers in the Midwest and indigenous people fleeing from Columbia, symbolizing the migration of settlers from East to West.
