Prompt 3

The two different paintings depict the same argument. These paintings show the Native Americans, in a clam and civilized manor, negotiating a treaty with the Europeans. These two paintings illustrate a completely different view of the Native Americans then the Travel Writers did. The Native Americans don’t seem like savages. Yes, they all show more skin than the Europeans, but they look calm and civilized. In both paintings, the different groups are separated. The Native Americans are on one side and the Europeans are on the other. I don’t think this has any real meaning though. When two groups come together, people stand with their side and certain leaders meet in the middle. There is not really a distinction of power though. Both groups have some people standing and some sitting. There is no distinction between the groups. They seem to see each other as two separate entities, but they still have respect for one another. There does not seem to be a power struggle or negative tensions.

The one difference is the color of the cloths that are being traded in the middle of the circle. To me, white (in the second picture) represents pure, calm, heavenly/good feelings. While red has a more negative feeling attached with it. It means, to me, devilish actions, anger, and hot tensions. Overall, the paintings show the same idea. However, the little subtle piece, which seems to be a sort of peace offering (cloth), could make a change in the whole meaning of the picture. The colors could show a difference in the true intentions of the treaty/meeting. White could show a positive direction, while the red could show a negative direction. I am not sure exactly what the artists meant by these objects, but I am sure they had significance.