Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way (mural study for U.S. Capitol) 1861

This 1861 study by Emanuel Leutze, for a mural in the U.S. Capitol, depicts a scene of westward expansion. The painting, titled "Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way," features a group of pioneers on horseback and in wagons, traveling through a mountainous landscape. Leutze’s painting, now in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, evokes the sense of adventure and opportunity that attracted Americans to the West in the 19th century. This work is a prime example of the Hudson River School style, which is known for its romantic depictions of American landscapes.