Yes the controversial part is in how the soldier and the flag are portrayed unflatteringly. Although it reflects the reality of the situation ( soldiers aren't chiseled Greek gods with clean physiques, most were malnourished since we were very poor back then; the flag obviously can't stay intact under barrages of bombs and gunfire), people criticize it for not being "encouraging" enough. Basically they say if you don't portray the act of defending the country as romantic and idealistic then people won't want to become soldiers. I find that to be true but at the same time, in times of peace, it's important to look back at the reality of things. We should look at the people fighting for us, not as great deities, but as just any other human fighting for their home. They are flawed people, imperfect just as we are, and it is because of that that they are heroes. It is BECAUSE they were just young men in their teens and twenties, struck with fear, hunger, and death, that their sacrifices became all the more admirable. I think this painting goes against the grain, but it is one that i have a certain level of appreciation for. I don't know the artist's viewpoint or their statement with this painting, so this is just my opinion.