John Mix Stanley

John Mix Stanley (1814–1872) was an American painter known for his depictions of Native American life and the landscapes of the American West. He was associated with the Hudson River School, a movement characterized by its romantic portrayal of the American wilderness. Stanley's work was significant in documenting the cultures and territories of Native American tribes during a period of westward expansion in the United States. His extensive travels across the western frontier allowed him to create a comprehensive visual record, although much of his work was tragically lost in the 1865 Smithsonian fire. Despite this loss, his surviving paintings continue to provide valuable insights into 19th-century American history and culture.