Boys of the Land 2019

Mark Maggiori painted "Boys of the Land", using oils, to represent cowboys in a traditional landscape. This depiction of the American West, and the cowboy figure, perpetuates a long tradition of romanticizing a very specific kind of masculinity. Look at how Maggiori uses visual shorthand – hats, horses, rugged terrain – to evoke a mythologized past. This imagery is deeply rooted in American culture, influencing everything from advertising to political rhetoric. We see the cowboy as a symbol of freedom, independence, and self-reliance, yet this narrative often obscures the complex and often brutal realities of westward expansion. Cowboys stand as a celebration of a colonialist past. To understand the power of this image, consider the historical context in which it was created, and the ways in which it reinforces or challenges established social norms. It is through exploring these contexts and intertextualities that we can come to a more nuanced understanding of its meaning and impact.