Since the United States’ official inception in 1776, American art has reflected the evolution of a nation as it grapples with identity, influence and innovation. From the early years of European-inspired portraiture to the bold, emotive strokes of Abstract Expressionism, American artists have continually redefined the boundaries of their craft. Join us as we take a brief tour through 200 years of American art, tracing the path from the early struggle to find a national voice to the diverse and dynamic expressions of the 21st century.
| 5th Avenue Storm at 42nd Street by Guy Wiggins. Circa 1950. M.S. Rau, Sold. |
Finding an Identity: Early American Painting
The early years of American art were marked by a strong European influence, particularly from the British tradition. As the American colonies were still heavily tied to Europe, many of the artists working in the 18th and early 19th centuries were trained in European techniques and styles. Portraiture dominated the scene, as wealthy patrons sought to emulate the grandeur of European aristocracy. Artists like John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart were key figures of this era, known for their meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture the character and status of their subjects.
| Portrait of Henry Belasyse by John Singleton Copley. Circa 1790. M.S. Rau, Sold. |
However, as the nation moved towards independence and began to forge its own identity, there was a growing desire for an art that was uniquely American. This led to the development of landscapes that celebrated the vast, untamed wilderness of the new nation. Unlike the manicured gardens and pastoral scenes of Europe, these landscapes were grand, dramatic and imbued with a sense of the sublime—a reflection of the nation's aspirations and the belief in Manifest Destiny.
Key Movement: The Hudson River School & Landscape Painting
The Hudson River School emerged as the first distinctly American art movement, embodying the spirit of exploration and the awe-inspiring beauty of the American wilderness. Founded by Thomas Cole in the early 19th century, this movement was characterized by its idealized portrayals of the American landscape, often featuring sweeping vistas, dramatic lighting and a sense of divine presence in nature. Cole’s works, such as The Oxbow (1836), exemplify this approach, capturing the duality of civilization and untouched wilderness.
| View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm—The Oxbow by Thomas Cole. Painted 1836. The MET. |
Frederic Edwin Church, a student of Cole, took the ideals of the Hudson River School even further. His monumental canvases, such as Niagara (1857) and The Heart of the Andes (1859), were not just depictions of nature but immersive experiences. Church’s work drew crowds eager to marvel at the scale and detail, as he captured the raw power and majesty of nature in a way that resonated deeply with the American public. The Hudson River School artists didn’t just paint landscapes—they crafted a national mythology, one where the land itself was a symbol of American promise and potential.
Expanding Horizons: The Mid to Late 19th Century
As the nation progressed through the 19th century, the focus of American art began to shift from the idealized landscapes of the Hudson River School to the realities of everyday life. Artists began responding to the rapid societal changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization and the Civil War, and many were influenced by their travels abroad to London and Paris, where groundbreaking avant-garde movements such as Impressionism were developing.John Singer Sargent, known for his exquisite portraits, was one of the most prolific and celebrated artists of this period, bringing a level of sophistication and psychological depth to his works that set him apart from his contemporaries. His paintings, such as Portrait of Madame X (1884), reveal a keen understanding of his subjects, capturing not just their likeness but also their essence. Sargent was an American expatriate who lived predominantly in Europe, but his pioneering career and singular painting style reveal a distinctly American spirit.
| Portrait of Laurence Millet by John Singer Sargent. Painted 1887. M.S. Rau, Sold. |
Key Movement: American Impressionism
Along with Sargent, many American artists trained and painted in Europe, though by most accounts, they brought their American roots and sensibilities with them. Mary Cassatt was one of these Americans in Europe, and she was one of the few women to gain recognition in the male-dominated art world. Throughout her prolific career, she primarily focused on the intimate and domestic lives of women and children. Her works, like The Child’s Bath (1893), combine a delicate touch with a profound exploration of the bond between mother and child, offering a perspective that was both personal and universal.
| Sara in a Round-Brimmed Bonnet, Holding her Dog by Mary Cassatt. Circa 1901. M.S. Rau. |
James McNeill Whistler was another key figure who bridged the gap between American and European art during this period. While heavily influenced by his time in Europe, Whistler developed a unique style that emphasized mood and atmosphere over narrative and detail. His most famous work, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (1871), commonly known as Whistler’s Mother, exemplifies his approach.
The painting is a study in form and tone, stripped of any extraneous detail, focusing instead on the harmony of shapes and colors. Whistler’s emphasis on “art for art’s sake” was a significant departure from the more narrative-driven works of his peers, signaling a shift towards modernism in American art.
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Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 by James McNeill Whistler. Painted 1871. Musée d’Orsay.
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Breaking Away from Europe: The 20th Century
The early 20th century marked a pivotal moment in American art as artists began to break away from European dominance. This was a time of experimentation and innovation, as American artists sought to define themselves in a rapidly changing world. The influence of European modernism, particularly movements like Cubism and Surrealism, was undeniable, but American artists began to interpret these ideas in ways that reflected their unique experiences and perspectives.The Armory Show of 1913 was a watershed moment, introducing the American public to the avant-garde works of European artists like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. However, it also highlighted the emerging talents of American artists, such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe, who would go on to shape the course of American art. Hopper’s stark, melancholic urban scenes and O’Keeffe’s vibrant, abstract representations of nature both demonstrate the ways in which American artists were beginning to forge their own paths.
| Group of Houses by Edward Hopper. Painted 1923. M.S. Rau. |
Key Movement: Abstract Expressionism
Perhaps the most significant development in American art during the 20th century was the rise of Abstract Expressionism. Emerging in the post-World War II era, this movement was characterized by its emphasis on spontaneity, emotion and the act of painting itself. Jackson Pollock, with his iconic drip paintings, became the face of this movement, his works embodying the energy and chaos of the modern world. Pollock’s method of pouring and dripping paint onto the canvas was revolutionary, challenging traditional notions of composition and technique.
| No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow) by Mark Rothko. Painted 1958. The MET. |
Mark Rothko, another leading figure in Abstract Expressionism, took a different approach. His large, color field paintings, such as No. 61 (Rust and Blue) (1953), are meditative and contemplative, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the depths of color. Rothko’s work is less about expression and more about evocation, using simple forms to elicit complex emotional responses.
Together, Pollock and Rothko helped to establish New York as the new center of the art world, marking the first time that American art had truly eclipsed its European counterparts.
Key Movement: Pop Art & Beyond
As the 20th century progressed, American art continued to evolve, with Pop Art emerging as a major movement in the 1960s. Led by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Pop Art embraced the imagery of popular culture, challenging the distinction between high and low art. Warhol’s iconic images of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s soup cans blurred the lines between art and commerce, raising questions about consumerism, celebrity and mass production.
| American Cancer by George Condo. 1981. M.S. Rau. |
While Warhol's iconic images of consumer culture and celebrity defined pop art, American artist George Condo's work offers a more visually complex and psychologically charged exploration of these themes. Condo's distorted figures and grotesque facial features challenge the superficiality often associated with Pop art, delving into deeper questions of identity, alienation and the human condition.
His work can be seen as a continuation of Warhol's exploration of mass media and celebrity culture, but with a more critical and often unsettling lens. By blending elements of Surrealism, Expressionism and Pop art, Condo has created a unique and influential style that has had a profound impact on contemporary art.
Then to Now
American art has come a long way from its early days of European imitation. Over the past 200 years, it has grown into a powerful expression of the nation’s identity, aspirations, and struggles. As we move further into the 21st century, American art will undoubtedly continue to innovate, challenge and inspire, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of American society.
