Western American Art

Western American Art broadly refers to artistic works which depict subjects related to or associated with the Western United States region and the Old West period. It was often overlooked before the twentieth century, during which it became the subject of academic study. In contrast with much Modern art, which focuses largely on abstraction, Western American art tends to focus more on subject and narrative than style. Commonly depicted subjects in Western American art include Cowboys, Native Americans, horses, and scenic landscapes. Narratives often include scenes demonstrating the daily life and activities in the American West.

The development of Western American art was affected by the social, political and economic factors in American society. On the one hand, factors like U.S. westward expansion fostered its development; on the other hand, the progress of Western American art was also threatened by the accompanying industrial development and spread of the modern lifestyle in the West. Western American Art experienced periods of waxing and waning popularity during its history.