Iconography of Patriotism

From Unawiki

Iconography of Patriotism was a means to give the multicultural nation a uniting character after American Independence. The Latin expression ‘E Pluribus Unum’ is meant to express this interrelation of many cultures living together, melting together into one superior culture. The statesmen wanted to reach this effect by for example the neoclassical architecture. The clear, precise design of monuments should demonstrate simplicity, clarity, unity and reason to be reflected by society. Also the portrayals of the first President of the US, George Washington, are meant to create a united society in different ways. His early portraits after Independence express the beginning of peaceful time, he doesn’t have the sword in his hand, he’s not the military leader but leader of civilization; he is also portrayed as a normal civilian to show the equal society and differences to monarchy. Later he is also painted as a god-like, which in that time should give the people an image of the strength of their country. In the end, Iconography of Patriotism should form the new society as a city upon a hill within its Republican Virtues.