Dances With Wolves Extra-Credit Assignment

After watching the movie Dances with Wolves, look at the following paintings. Compare the differing viewpoints concerning Anglo-Native American relations.  Discuss these differences, using both the movie and some of these paintings. Two -three paragraphs would be appropriate.

Last of the Buffalo - Albert Bierstadt

A known racist, Bierstadt painted his version of the elimination of the buffalo by Native Americans, rather than the white hunters.

The Death of Mary McCrea - John Vanderlyn

This depiction of the "Demonic Indian" scared white Anglos and justified any action to secure their safety, including elimination.

Emigrants Crossing the Plains - Albert Bierstadt

His classic work of manifest destiny - the images of westward movement includes the light of the setting sun (God and the quest), teepees (the bypasing of Native Americans and bones (the conquering of both the natives and the land.)

Last of the Race - Tompkins Matteson

This cultural image of the "Doomed Indian" can be continually found in literature and movies, such as the ending scenes of both Last of the Mohicans and Dances with Wolves. 

Young Omahaw - Charles Bird King

The work of King preserved a record of Native American culture as the frontier was closed at the end of the 19th century.  The image of the "Noble Savage" is present here.

The Skirmish Line - Charles Schreyvogel

The work of both Schreyvogel and Frederick Remington sought to tell the dramatic story of the Wild West to preserve the history after the closing of the frontier. However, it often had little to do with reality, glorifying the role of the Anglo frontiersman. The image of the "Last Stand" became the staple, both against the Indians in the 19th century and the Communists in the 20th.