What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

Fallen Bierstadt is a clever critique on American westward expansion. It uses physical deterioration to serve as a reminder that romanticization of the American Midwest is directly built on the ashes and destruction of Native Americans by colonial settlers. The charred bits and pieces symbolize the damage to the environment and the loss of Native American culture, which highlights the protection of nature. Overall, the piece impressed us using its unconventional form and changing the narrative of the original art piece it depicts.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The color palette is very light, using soft calming colors like green, light brown, yellow, sky blue, white to evoke nature. This greatly contrasts with the dark charred parts of the painting caused by “fire”. The gold frame might symbolize the gilded idea of westward expansion, both native Americans and settlers suffered from expansion. The pieces of the floor, most likely paper might symbolize the fragility of Native Americans as they were attacked by the settlers.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

They were very specific about where the shredded pierces were put and the way they positioned the painting. It’s bent towards us and is trying to grab our attention. Not only that but the piece is near works of arts that represent modern American culture and western American culture. It’s right at the entrance possibly stating that the beginning of America was done by destroying a lot of the precious environment around.

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