Rosie the Riveter 

Norman Rockwell painted this image, Rosie the Riveter, during the Second World War. Set against the backdrop of a waving American flag, Rosie embodies patriotic fervor. But note the symbols Rockwell weaves in. She nonchalantly rests her foot upon a copy of “Mein Kampf.” This act isn't merely about physical dominance; it’s a symbolic crushing of Nazi ideology. It echoes ancient motifs of triumph, where the victor places a foot on the vanquished. Think of ancient Roman emperors depicted with their heel on the neck of a defeated foe. The halo above her head transforms this working woman into an almost saintly figure. The propaganda fuses secular labor with sacred connotations, elevating everyday acts of service to a spiritually significant level. In essence, Rockwell draws upon deeply rooted archetypes to stir the viewer's emotions and rally support for the war effort. The symbol is a powerful call to action, evoking a sense of duty and moral imperative.