George Caleb Bingham

George Caleb Bingham was an American painter born in 1811 and active until his death in 1879. He is best known for his contributions to the Realism movement, particularly through his depictions of American life along the Missouri River. Bingham's works often focused on the themes of frontier life, politics, and the everyday activities of people in the 19th century. He served as the state treasurer of Missouri and was involved in politics, which influenced his artistic themes. His paintings, such as "The County Election" and "Fur Traders Descending the Missouri," are celebrated for their detailed representation of American society and have had a lasting impact on American art. Bingham's legacy continues to be recognized in the study of American realism and genre painting.