Famous American Paintings and Where To See Them

Published: May 7, 2024 by Liam Frady

What are the most famous American paintings? America has its share of famous artists that readily compete with the output of the old masters of Europe. Finding these paintings can be a bit tricky, but you can readily see most of them in public spaces.

George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait)

This magnificent portrait is one of the earliest examples of famous American paintings and for good reason. This life-size portrait of the first President, George Washington, still hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. The artist, Gilbert Stuart, made three copies of the work, ensuring people would see it for years to come.

Declaration of Independence

Many of the most famous American paintings depict events early in the formation of the nation’s history. This 1817 painting by John Trumbull depicts the Second Continental Congress signing the now-famous Declaration of Independence. You can see this stunning work for yourself at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

The Oxbow

You can find one of the most famous American paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. View from Mount Holyoke, Northhampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm, or as it is more commonly known, The Oxbow is a stunning landscape done in oil on canvas by Thomas Cole.

Heart of the Andes

One of the most famous American paintings depicts a vista seen by artist Frederic Edwin Church. The Heart of the Andes can currently be seen in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Among the Sierra Nevada

We’ve got another stunning landscape, this time from artist Albert Bierstadt. Interestingly, this painting, while being one of the most famous American paintings in existence, was done in Rome. These days you can spot it at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C.

Whistler’s Mother

Arrangement in Gery and Black No. 1, or as it is more famously known Whistler’s Mother, is one of the most famous American paintings of the 19th century. This painting embodies the Realism school of art and was completed by James McNeil Whistler. You can view it at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France.

Snap the Whip

Winslow Homer’s Snap the Whip is perhaps one of the best metaphorical depictions of the mindset of Americans in the wake of the Civil War. There are two versions of this painting. However, the most famous is at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio.

Sunset Scene

So far, this is our first entry from an African-American artist, and it is one of the most famous American paintings for good reason. Sunset Scene has quite a bit in common with the European masters of its day, showing strong signs of the Impressionism that was engulfing France. You can see it today at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Portrait of Madame X

One of the most American paintings of its days ignited quite a few controversies. This stunning portrait by John Singer Sargent depicts American ex-patriate Virginie Amelie Avegno Gautreau, a French socialite and woman of means. She was a divisive figure in 19th-century France, but you can readily view this beautiful painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan.

The Child’s Bath

This is one of the most famous American paintings that took heavy inspiration from Asia and Europe. Mary Cassatt’s The Child’s Bath has been a regular fixture of the Art Institute of Chicago since 1910 and remains one of the most popular pieces of art in the entire museum.

Portrait of a German Officer

I’ll be frank and say that Modernism in art and literature is one of my favorite movements. Portrait of a German Officer is a key piece of art for the period and is one of the most American paintings of the 20th century. You can find it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold

Cubism and Futurism were in full vogue in the 1920s, and no painting best exemplifies that than I Saw the Figure 5 in Gold by Charles Demuth. This is a striking piece of art with clean lines and clear imagery. You can find it at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

American Gothic

It is hard to imagine a more famous American painting than American Gothic by Grant Wood. Interestingly, this 1930 painting is heavily influenced by Cubist art from Europe. It has a decidedly American flair. Thankfully, you can see this famous painting at the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois.

Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1

One of the most famous American paintings of the 20th century was done as a commission. While artist Georgia O’Keeffe is famous for her depiction of flowers in full bloom, few are on the same scale as Jimson Weed. You can find it today at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Nighthawks

This is arguably one of the most famous American paintings in existence. However, chances are even if you haven’t heard of Nighthawks you have seen homages to the famous work. This is a piece by Edward Hopper. If you’d like to view it in person, you can find it at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Freedom from Want

The United States in the wake of the Great Depression was looking forward to a return to normalcy. Interestingly, few artists capture this quality like Norman Rockwell. Freedom from Want is a magnificent testament to the human spirit. You can find it today at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Christina’s World

When it comes to American artists, few ignite my interest like Andrew Wyeth. Widely regarded as one of the masters of watercolor painting, Wyeth’s Christina’s World is a striking portrait of a defiant woman. The bleak landscape is in stark contrast with the emboldened human spirit. You can find it today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.