Summary Of Howard Pyle's The Nations Makers

Howard Pyle’s “The Nations Makers” painting is an artistic response to war through the illustration of the first brave soldiers who marched towards battle during the nations beginning. The painting portrays the bravery of those fellow man by showing the courageous leading officer, the soldiers poor condition and determination, and the flag that stood high and motivated them. Howard Pyle was able to portray an image of Revolutionary soldiers many years after America defeated the British Empire, declaring Independence in 1776. Allowing the viewer to understand the sacrifice they made by marching forward to face the enemy during warfare. Howard Pyle painting defines one of the moments that took place during the country’s beginning to provide a

As they march along the field, Howard Pyle reveals wounded soldiers who are still marching regardless of their condition. There’s a soldier banging the drum with bandages around his head but his face is filled with determination. Men are shown with shredded shirts, patched up pants, and in poor condition demonstrating the long battles that they have faced. There’s also men reacting to the shots being fired towards them. Soldiers are seen covering themselves after their fellow brother have been shot. This symbolizes the horrors they saw but continue taking the path towards combat. Towards the background we see a horse jumping into the air as his rider holds onto his hat and troops moshed together as they march representing the chaos incorporated during the war. The soldier’s expressions of courage articulate the many battles they’ve fought and continue to fight with what supplies they have or whatever their shape may be in. The painter points out the soldiers who did not lose hope. They held onto the glory of freedom they hoped to accomplish. It may have looked like a normal day as the cloudy sky surrounded them and grassy field caressed their legs, but what the future held during the battle was anything but