Neoclassicism

The painting of "Napoleon Crossing The Saint-Bernard" is a majestic picture of Napoleon on his magnificent steed. It instills confidence in the viewer, I couldn't imagine the amount of patriotism and trust felt by the French of this time. Or maybe I could, I myself am not a very patriotic person, but in this day in age and political climate being what it is, most likely many Americans look at the American flag and feel the same as the French and most of France did at that time. In both cases the painting or flag is there to symbolise unity of a nation, but also to give the viewer a sense of confidence and trust in the government, which is dictating his or hers existence each and everyday. In essence it becomes a daily form of propaganda, and possibly that my be it's use.