Pioneers of the West by Helen Lundeberg (Interpretation and Analysis)

Pioneers of the West
Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum

During the Great Depression, the American government created the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to stimulate the economy and employee out-of-work Americans. As part of this mission, the WPA hired artists and writers to produce works that celebrated American culture and history.

Helen Lundeberg was one such artist. Lundeberg was one of the co-founders of the Post-Surrealism movement. Post-Surrealism was the Americanized response to Surrealism. It can be best described as a more socially conscious version of Surrealism. While traditional Surrealism tends to be introspective, Post-Surrealism looks outward. It focuses on creating a sense of wonder in the viewer and takes an interest in science. In some ways, it could be considered an aspirational style.

Pioneers of the West is one of the paintings Lundeberg produced while working for the WPA. It depicts a group of pioneers with oxen and covered wagons setting off on a journey west. As is typical of Post-Surrealism, it is quite a hopeful, forward-looking subject. The pioneers, depicted in flowing, curving lines, stand strong and powerful against a backdrop of distant mountains. The figures look away from the viewer, as if gazing off into the future.

Although, most people tend to have a more complex view of Western expansion these days, at the time, most viewers would have understood Pioneers of the West as a celebration of American ingenuity, ambition, and perseverance. The painting commemorates those that left the comfort of home to seek better lives.

This sentiment certainly would have appealed to Americans living through the depression. As the Smithsonian American Art Museum (which owns the painting) notes, “Like other WPA artists, Lundeberg depicted a hopeful view of the United States during a time of turmoil and uncertainty by showing a dreamlike image of western expansion.” This optimistic painting celebrates better times ahead, even if times are hard. It is a timeless piece, one that has something to offer to every generation of Americans.

Disclaimer: I’m not an art historian or an expert on this topic. The above is my opinion, based on my interpretation of my foreknowledge of art and history. If I’ve done any additional research, I’ll note it above.