A further response to war can be recognized when Church includes a star in the large light-blue area near the stripes and next to the tree. These stars represent those found on the American flag. The stars may not be the exact number of the ones found on the flag, but their position is irrefutable from those on the flag. The stars represent the …show more content…
states in the United States. Church’s use of color in this painting is extraordinary. The lighting hue over the horizon is much more concentrated than the hue on top of the painting. The painting too shows that it’s daybreak which represents a new beginning. The reddish-brown color of the clouds reflects on the color of the flag (Chicagohistory.org).
On the left side of the painting there is a bare aged tree that represents a flag pole. This tree can be seen to be adjacent to the portion that contains the stars. This imagery reflects the way the American flag is uplifted.
Another analysis as to why this painting is a response to war is the imagery of the river.
The ‘flag pole’ is on one shore of the river and the flag above the sky extends to the other shore. During the civil war, America was more divided than ever. Church, who was a Northerner, openly supported the Union and their action. The river represents the division while each share represents either side that was involved in the war. The extension of the ‘flag’ from one river bank to the other clear reflects on Church’s feelings and emotions. It shows that just like others who shared the same idea, Church admired a more united America rather than a divided one (Burke 39).
Finally, this painting is a response to war because of the displayed eagle right above the ‘pole.' The bald eagle is one of American national symbol that represents courage, strength, and will. Church used the figure of an eagle near the ‘flag’ to complete a reflection of the national flag.
“Our Banner in the Sky” has always been viewed as one of the iconic paintings in American History. The painting was simple but carried a huge message throughout generations. Fredric Edwin Church’s work is extraordinary. The painting clearly represents a proposal for unity in a time of great division in the history of (America Moss 2)
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Cited
Burke, Doreen Bolger. "Frederic Edwin Church And "The Banner Of Dawn"". American Art Journal 14.2 (1982): 39. Web.
Moss,Priscilla. “Our Banner in the Sky.”Prezi. Prezi 8 October 2013. Web. 2 February 2017.
“Our Banner in the Sky.”The Civil War in Art.The Civil War in Art, 31 August 2011. Web. 2 February 2017.