ArtCollectionsAmerican and Western American

American and Western American

The American and Western American collections feature art dating from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. Through the objects on view, we can trace the development and evolution of American artistic traditions through the early interest in portraiture to the prominence of landscape painting, and beyond.

American and Western American

BECOME A PHXART MEMBER TO ENJOY UNLIMITED ADMISSION TO THE MUSEUM YOU LOVE, ALL YEAR LONG

About the Collection

The notable strengths of the American collection are American modernism, art of the American West, and prints. It features work dating from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century. The development of American artistic traditions can be traced from portraiture in the late eighteenth century, to the rise in prominence of landscape painting in the 19th century, the popularity of genre scenes, as well as the academic figurative traditions of history and large-scale society paintings. The collection reflects the influence in naturalism stemming from European artistic traditions. Represented artists include: Winslow Homer, Sanford Robinson Gifford, Gilbert Stuart, John Singleton Copley, Fitz Henry Lane, George Inness, Eastman Johnson, William Merritt Chase, Robert Henri, and others.

American art of the southwest includes the Taos School from the first quarter of the twentieth century, early Western modernism from New Mexico, and depictions of the present-day “New West.” A newly defined area emphasizes the cultural history of Arizona and the greater Southwest. Represented artists include Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, Frederic Remington, Eanger Irving Couse, Walter Ufer, Ernest Martin Hennings, Maynard Dixon, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton, Lew Davis, Philip Latimer Dike, Ed Mell, Paul Pletka, Howard Post, and Louisa McElwain.

Collection Highlights

George Washington

Gilbert Stuart, American, 1755 - 1828, 1796 or later, painting, oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. Gilbert A. Harrison

More

Desert Rain God (Dios de la lluvia en el desierto)

Louisa McElwain, American, 1953 - 2013, 2009, painting, oil on canvas, Museum purchase with funds provided by Betty Van Denburgh in honor of Western Art Associates

More

Flower Garden (Jardín de flores)

Louis Ritman, American, 1889 - 1963, c. 1913, painting, oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Redfield, Jr.

More

Search our Collection

SORT BY:
svg

“The boy swayed backward–backward” (“El niño se bambolea hacia atrás”)

Maynard Dixon, American, 1875 - 1946, 1907, drawing, India ink and whitewash on paper, Gift of Capt. R.D. Shepard, USN, Ret.

More

“Their eyes met” (“Sus ojos se encontraron”)

Maynard Dixon, American, 1875 - 1946, 1907, drawing, India ink and whitewash on paper, Gift of Capt. R.D. Shepard, USN, Ret.

More

A Devil of Notre Dame (Un demonio de Notre Dame [Nuestra Señora])

John Taylor Arms, American, 1887 - 1953, 1929, print, etching, Gift of Orme Lewis

More

A Gargoyle of Amiens (Una gárgola de Amiens)

John Taylor Arms, American, 1887 - 1953, 1923, print, etching, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Shohet

More

A Road to Santa Fe (Un camino a Santa Fe)

John Sloan, American, 1871 - 1951, 1924, painting, oil on canvas, Gift of the Carl S. Dentzel Family Collection

More

A Rock on the Lukenia Hills (Una roca en las colinas de Lukenia)

William R. Leigh, American, 1866 - 1955, 1926, oil on board, Gift of Steven H. Coogler and Family, Greenville, SC

More
EXHIBITIONS

On view for a limited time, exhibitions present art from across the centuries and the globe, from iconic fashion to Old Master paintings, contemporary photography to historical objects of Asia.

MORE
COLLECTIONS

Featuring more than 20,000 objects, the collection spans the globe, bringing the world to our city, and our city to the world.

MORE
ARIZONA ARTIST AWARDS

Since 1986, Phoenix Art Museum has awarded more than $350,000 to over 200 Arizona-based artists through two annual artist awards opportunities.

MORE

What can we help you find?

Need further assistance?
Please call Visitor Services at 602.257.1880 or email

info@phxart.org
TYPE HERE TO SEARCH...