The picture I have chosen is entitled 'The Discovery of the Mississippi' based off a painting done in 1541 by Ferdinand De Soto. This picture was then published in 1876 by Currier & Ives. The picture depicts a scene from when the firs europeans (emigrants) found the Mississippi river within the west of America. There are 7 people (all men) in the forefront of the picture giving thanks to God for helping them find their way to the river.
The men are probably all in the military army at that time and all of importance. There appears to be a priest or monk bowing down leading the praying, this shows that religion was at the forefront of American living even back then. This picture also shows how the Americans were expanding as a nation rapidly, into more areas of unexplored american land. The picture is also a great example of how the new Americans were slowly pushing out the native Americans and didn't think highly of them as individuals. This is made evident by the fact that there is only 1 native American portrayed in the painting and he is in the background of the picture. This shows manifest destiny as the new Americans thought it was their right to explore the land and push the Natives out of their homes. The Americans within the painting are looking optimistic whereas the Native American looks pessimistic and uncertain of his future within the society/home he lives in (again, showing manifest destiny). The native American is also wearing his original dress, this shows that the manifest destiny can not alter everything, as the native hasn't been forced into American society and customs as of yet. He is, in a sense, still a free man. However the fact that the Americans are on horses shows they have power and authority over the Native American who is depicted to be below them (in the picture and in society as a whole).