Moses, Satan and the Archangel Michael

THE APOTHEOSIS OF WASHINGTON

When I saw this painting, I wanted to know more about it. What is the meaning of it? Where did it come from? Who painted it? I learned that the artist is anonymous, and there is an official story that the angels are taking Washington to heaven. I have been studying the bible and have some of my own theories on the meaning of the painting. The spirit of Freedom and the Native American spirit (you can tell by the hatchet) have lying around them his fasces, armor and shield. There are similar poses in this painting as the Last Supper, and also the crucifixion. For starters, Washington's body is dead.  Notice also the position of Washington's body:

 
 then compare that to Christ on the cross:

And the typical colors of Christ:



They are taking him out of his tomb, like the Son of Man was taken out of his tomb. Also, in scripture is the statement:
Matthew 24:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
Notice in the painting that he is on clouds.


You also see people in the background to the left with children.
 
 And you also see a book (or tablet in Liberty's hand) along with his hand raised:
 
Please go on to part II