Includes bibliographical references and index.

This volume presents three centuries of US art through a broad array of historical texts, including writings by artists, critics, patrons, literary figures, and other commentators. Combining a wide-ranging selection of texts with high-quality reproductions of artworks, it offers a unique resource for the study and understanding of the visual arts of the United States. With contextual essays, explanatory headnotes, a chronology of historical landmarks, maps, and full-color illustrations of key artworks, the volume will appeal to national and international audiences ranging from undergraduates and museum visitors to art historians and other scholars. Texts by a range of artists and cultural figures-from Benjamin West to Kara Walker-are grouped according to historical era alongside works by many of the artists featured. This sourcebook brings together multiple voices throughout the ages to provide a framework for learning and critical thinking on US art. --From publisher description.