The
painting above is by Albert Bierstadt, which was produced in 1869. This was a
time when America was being developed and built up, they would head west to
make a farm, build houses, a town and then it would become a city. This
painting suggests just that. These men are heading west which suggests
that they are packing up and moving on to settle and build up new areas before
moving on again. The sun would also imply that there are better things to
come, portraying a new beginning.
It is not visible that there are any natives in
this painting, which would therefore suggest they have already been pushed out.
Ways in which this is also clear is the amount of cattle following behind these
men, and also the carriages and equipment in their possession which the natives
would not be able to afford. To the left of the painting there is a tree
that has been chopped down which indicates civilization, in that they are
chopping them down to build houses, roads etc...Ruining the peaceful structure
that the natives enjoy.
For some reason I can't see the image. Your commentary describes the image and begins to consider possible significant meanings inherent in the painting, but this aspect could be expanded on and discussed in more detail. You could also have done a little research on the context of the painting.
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