Art of the American West
Learn how the American West inspired generations of artists, painters and sculptors
Emigrants Crossing the Plains (1867) by Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Romantic vision of the West
On an expedition in 1859, German artist Albert Bierstadt fell in love with the American West. This led to a series of panoramic paintings that established him as a proponent of the "romantic sublime."
Rugged mountains
Bierstadt declared the American Rockies to be the equal of the European Alps.
Delicate lighting
Minute details combined with moody, deistic lighting won Bierstadt fame and fortune.
A harrowing journey
Although he placed a cow skull and bones prominently in the foreground of the painting, Bierstadt downplayed the harsh realities of the journey, creating idealized visions of a westward migration.
Albert Bierstadt's masterpiece combines many disparate elements of the Westerm Story
Sign of the Buffalo Scout (1907) by Frederic Remington (1861-1909)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Remington shapes the Western ideal
In 1892, art critic William Coffin noted that, more than any other source, Frederic Remington’s paintings were chiefly responsible for Easterners' conceptions of what Far-Western life is like.
The Buffalo Signal (1901) by Frederic Remington (1861-1909)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
One-of-a-kind bronze
The Museum's collection holds seven of Remington's bronze subjects, including "The Buffalo Signal," a unique cast that Remington gifted to his friend, French Devereux.
Signaling his people
The bronze represents the moment at which an Indian scout waves a buffalo robe, signaling the beginning of the hunt.
Fredric Remington: The Sculptor (2007) by National Cowboy & Western Heritage MuseumNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Remington: The sculptor
Remington's skill in both painting and sculpture added dimension to his Western storytelling.
Red Man's Wireless (1916) by Charles M. Russell (1864-1926)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Russell's vision of Native people
Russell ensured that Native Americans were often depicted in his work, such as in the painting Red Man's Wireless.
The Leader's Downfall (1946) by William R. Leigh (1866 1955)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Man vs. nature in the West
Horses and horsemanship are featured in many of the best Western paintings, like The Leader's Downfall by William R. Leigh.
Morning of a New Day (1907) by Henry Farny (1847-1916)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Man vs. the elements
The West's challenging climate was featured in many paintings, including Morning of a New Day by Henry Farny.
Buffalo Hunt (1860) by Charles (Carl) Wimar (1828-1862)National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Capturing the hunt
Hunting was critical to the survival for all people in the early days of the American Frontier as seen in Buffalo Hunt by Charles (Carl) Wimar.
Art of the American West (2015) by National Cowboy & Western Heritage MuseumNational Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
What makes art "Western?"
The Art of the American West connects the stories and people of the frontier to a wide variety of artwork.
Come Find Your West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Exhibit produced by The Staff of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
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