Albert Bierstadt's - Yosemite Valley, California
I believe that this painting was used as a useful tool for encouraging westward expansion during the 19th century. The use of natural beauty such as water, mountains and trees all suggest a desirable place to immigrate to. The specific colours used in this painting also enhance what is being shown. The variation of greens, yellows and oranges reflect the elements of earth and nature.
The mountains are emphasized as being very tall and the separation between the mountains in the middle of the picture suggests that there is more to be seen over the other side. The blue skies, big open spaces and exaggerated sunlight may attract future expansion especially from European travelers because it is completely different to their home land.
The fact that there are no people or animals shown in this painting creates a sense of calmness and harmony and the idea that this part of America has been untouched. It creates the idea that nature is the most important part of this place.
An important part of this painting is the fact that it is in California. California is on the western side of America and this image suggests that westward expansion was important at this time. Although this image is not of the California we usually see today, Yosemite Valley is a protected national park.
You begin to think through some of the implications of this well selected image, but you could push this further. You say you believe the painting was used to encourage westward expansion, but brief reference to some evidence for this could help. Maybe you could have found this out by researching the context of the picture a bit more.
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