AA-2026-91D11D
On the image
A massive mural, rendered in the popular style of historical grand narratives, dominates this wall in the 1970s. It shows a heroic view of the American West, where explorers with stern faces meet stoic indigenous figures, all set against a backdrop of impressive but historically convenient geological formations. One assumes the committee commissioning this piece felt it accurately captured the spirit of the era without offending anyone, a task only slightly less difficult than inventing cold fusion.
Covered wagons, a symbol of westward expansion, are neatly arranged, suggesting an orderly progression rather than the chaotic, disease-ridden reality. A lone cowboy, or perhaps a prospector, gazes out from the lower right, representing the rugged individualism that was so important to the narrative, even if most individuals were just trying to avoid dysentery.
The 1970s crowd below observes this vast tableau of manifest destiny, their silhouettes a modern counterpoint to the dramatic scene above. They appear to be in a public space, perhaps a convention centre or government building, participating in the quiet, almost reverent contemplation of a curated past, possibly whilst waiting for their next scheduled activity.
The historian's note
This photograph captures a large-scale mural, likely commissioned for a public building, depicting a romanticised vision of the American West. Such historical murals were a common feature in civic and corporate architecture throughout the mid-20th century, serving to illustrate foundational narratives of national or regional development. The artwork combines elements of exploration, indigenous encounters, and westward expansion, including covered wagons and representations of early settlers or prospectors.
The mural's style and subject matter reflect prevailing cultural perspectives on American history, often emphasising themes of progress, heroism, and the conquest of the wilderness. These depictions frequently simplified or idealised complex historical events and interactions, shaping public understanding of the frontier era.
The image, dated to the 1970s, shows the mural in its original context, being viewed by a contemporary audience. It serves as a visual document of both public art and the evolving ways in which history was presented and consumed in the latter half of the 20th century.
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1970s Public Mural: Romanticised American West. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-91D11D. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-public-mural-romanticized-american-west.
@misc{aaAA202691D11D,
title = {1970s Public Mural: Romanticised American West},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-91D11D},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-public-mural-romanticized-american-west}
}TY - ART TI - 1970s Public Mural: Romanticised American West PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-91D11D UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-public-mural-romanticized-american-west ER -
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