The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has drawn widespread attention and criticism for a social media post last week that included an image of "A Prayer for a New Life," a 2020 oil painting by Morgan Weistling with the caption: "Remember your Homeland's Heritage."
The painting, which depicts a white pioneer couple cradling their newborn inside a covered wagon, was used without the artist's permission, and many observers consulted by The Guardian in a piece say its placement within DHS's current media strategy sends a politically charged message.
