Col. William F. Cody 1889

Rosa Bonheur painted this oil on canvas of Colonel William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, in 1889. Bonheur, a famous French animalière painter, was clearly captivated by the American West and its celebrities. The image isn't just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed representation of American identity for a European audience. Consider the Wild West shows that toured Europe at this time, promoting a romanticized, often exaggerated, version of frontier life. Cody himself was a key figure in shaping this image. Bonheur's portrait contributes to this narrative, presenting Cody as a heroic, almost mythical figure, reinforcing the cultural fascination with the American West. To fully appreciate this painting, research into the Wild West shows, the history of American expansion, and the cultural exchange between Europe and America during this period is essential. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum. It reflects and shapes our understanding of the world.