Signaling the Main Command 1885

Editor: This watercolor and oil painting, "Signaling the Main Command" by Frederic Remington, painted in 1885, gives me a sense of both loneliness and purpose. There's vastness in the landscape, yet the figures seem so determined. How do you interpret this work in terms of its historical context? Curator: It's fascinating to consider Remington's painting within the context of American expansionism and the visual construction of the "Wild West." What purpose do you think images like these served in late 19th century America? Editor: Maybe to romanticize or even justify the westward expansion and the displacement of Native American populations? The soldiers signaling could be seen as securing territory or communicating victory, sanitizing the violent reality. Curator: Exactly. Think about the role of the flag in the composition. It's centrally placed, the focal point. What does the act of 'signaling the main command' imply about power structures and control? This painting, in essence, contributes to the narrative of conquest. We see this repeated across other visual and performative media, such as the popular "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" traveling show and other western themed tropes. How might these presentations of power influence public policy? Editor: I never really thought about how paintings could serve as political tools themselves! The popularity of these romanticized scenes likely normalized the treatment of Native Americans and spurred even more expansion. I hadn't realized how staged and deliberate these depictions were in perpetuating the story of the Wild West. Curator: It’s important to remember that artists aren't always just creating beautiful things. They are participating in a broader conversation about societal values and power. Editor: This piece really opened my eyes to the politics embedded within supposedly objective historical art. Thanks for your insight.