The Wild West

The Wild West refers to the western part of the US during the later period of American expansion. Beginning after the Civil War in the 1800s, the period ended in the early 20th century when the last few western territories in mainland Northern America were admitted as states. During this period, pioneers advanced westward to mine gold, farm, and ranch. This era of mass migration and settlement was characterized by conflicts between the white settlers and the Native Americans living in the West, who could ultimately not fight back against the large numbers of settlers and the military force of the US government. 

The era of the Wild West is remembered today by the legends, folklore and historical events that came from it, and which have embedded themselves deeply into the United States' culture. The cowboy, a main symbol of this period, has been frequently depicted in popular culture, from film to the visual arts. Charles M. Russell, born in Missouri in the 1860s, was a cowboy and artist dedicated to representing the Wild West through painting. He is recognized for having represented the views of indigenous people in America instead of those of the white settlers. 

Still today, many artists are influenced by the period of the Wild West, whether representing cowboys, conflict, legends, historical events or figures, tales from folklore or even snakes through their work. With Artsper, find works by artists such as Lionel le Jeune and Diane Rosaz today!