Essay On Arts Of The United States

In Thompkins Harrison Matteson’s “The Last Race”, the author depicts a scene with a group of Native Americans as they look out across what is presumed to be their homeland. The group appears to be a family with a male, female, and child. There is a very solemn tone in the painting. The Native Americans look a bit forlorn and tired, perhaps representative of the Native’s constant battle to avoid being wiped out by white settlers. As they look across the horizon, the artist most likely intended this to be a metaphor for looking towards the future and if there would be any more of this tribe in it.
William Sydney Mounte’s painting “The Power of Music” also represents issues of race in society. The tone of the painting is lighter hearted than that of Matteson’s “The Last Race” showing an African American man listening to music in a lively setting. However the theme of racism is still depicted by the separation of the African American man from his white counterparts in the scene. Other stereotypes such as a liquor jug and tools also indicate that the African American man is only good for getting drunk or menial work. The man is segregated from his peers. While he seems to be having a good time it is evident that there are some issues with him being there.
Overall both these painting depict problems associated with their culture and the color of their skin. Both subjects are suffering from the effects of racism in different ways. The Native Americans face an uncertain future while the African American man is banned from doing things he enjoys.