Attack on the Supply Train 1885

Frederic Remington painted this watercolor depicting an “Attack on the Supply Train,” capturing a moment of intense conflict and survival in the American West. The covered wagon, or Conestoga wagon, is a symbol of westward expansion and its promise of new beginnings but also of danger, evoking the perils faced by settlers as they traversed unfamiliar and hostile territories. Consider the wagon and its link to themes of migration and displacement. The image can be traced to the Ark of Noah and even the Exodus. Here, it becomes a metaphor for the vulnerable human spirit amidst the chaos of historical forces. Note how it's white canvas looms large in the background. This is reminiscent of earlier religious iconography of "the mantle." This symbolizes protection and the promise of survival, even as violence erupts around it. The motifs of violence, struggle, and protection are bound together, creating a tableau that speaks to our primal instincts and fears. This image resonates with our collective memory, recalling both the triumphs and tragedies inherent in human history.