Untitled c. 19th century

This 'Untitled' engraving was made by William B. Closson at the end of the 19th century, and it depicts a stagecoach being pulled by a team of horses. Here, the image creates meaning through visual codes relating to expansion, trade, and travel across the American West. The cultural references evoke a sense of adventure, exploration, and the settling of new territories, but the wild landscape reminds us of the difficult social conditions faced by those who lived and worked in these areas. Stagecoaches were vital to deliver mail, transport goods, and connect communities but they also played a central role in military campaigns against Native American tribes. To understand this artwork better, we could research the history of stagecoach travel in the United States, the social and economic impact of westward expansion, and the role of art in shaping public perceptions of the American West. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.