A Visual Analysis of “American Progress” by John Gast

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A Visual Analysis of “American Progress” by John Gast
This visual art analysis will define the idea of progress that is symbolized in the painting “American Progress” by John Gast. Gast often implies that European technology and the symbol of Columbia as a harbinger of civilization to the west were the primary goal for pioneers in the 19th century. Also, the promise of “manifest destiny” in European pioneer religious traditions is emulated in the bible carried by Columbia as a dominating theme to colonizing the west. In essence, the religious and technological themes of this painting will be analyzed in this visual study of American progress by John Gast.
The most prominent visual image of American progress is defined in the way that Gast...

.....figural representation of the spiritual force of Manifest Destiny that guided pioneers toward their own religious utopias during the 19th century. Within this context, Gast visually interprets Columbia as the ideal symbolic representation of Manifest Destiny and the technological advances that pushed the pioneers westward in this 19th century painting. By understanding the combinatory themes of technological and religious expansionist symbolism in this painting, Columbia is defined as the crucial spiritual guide for pioneers seeking new land in this historical period in the evolution of the United States.
Works Cited
Gast, John. “American Progress.” Customer add the rest of bibliography here, I only received a file of the painting.).