Fur Traders Descending the Missouri 1845

"Fur Traders Descending the Missouri" (1845) by George Caleb Bingham depicts a scene of frontier life on the Missouri River. Two fur traders navigate a canoe, one rowing while the other, possibly a trader, sits at the stern, surrounded by furs. The painting captures the expansiveness of the American West, showcasing the vital role of the fur trade in shaping the nation's history. The composition is balanced, highlighting the journey's tranquility and the expansive, misty landscape. This American genre painting captures the spirit of westward expansion and embodies the romantic ideal of the frontier.