Study for "Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way" c. 1862

"Study for "Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way"" is a pencil drawing by Emanuel Leutze. Created in the 19th century, it reflects a period marked by expansionist ideologies in the United States, particularly the concept of Manifest Destiny. This sketch is a preparatory work for a larger mural and captures the complexities of the American frontier. It speaks to the idea of progress, but we need to ask, progress for whom? The figures represent the dominant narrative of white settlers moving westward, a movement intertwined with the displacement and erasure of Indigenous peoples. Leutze, who spent much of his life in Germany, returned to the U.S. with a vision shaped by both European romanticism and American ambition. The drawing hints at the era's gendered dynamics as well. Women and children are present, symbolizing the establishment of domestic life in newly claimed territories, yet their roles remain largely passive within this narrative of expansion. It's a poignant reminder of how art can reflect and shape societal beliefs, often reinforcing particular perspectives while overshadowing others.