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Joslyn Art Mus.

Berkeley (kidsguide)

Butler

Postershop

Johnson site

Bierstadt was born in Dusseldorf, Germany, but moved to America with his family as a small boy. When he was 23 he returned to Germany to study. In 1858 he made his first trip to the Rocky Mountains with a government survey team.

He became known for large paintings of the West, especially the Rockies. One of his favorite subjects was the American bison.

During the high point of his career he was the most well known artist in America, as well as the highest paid. Congress purchased his works. Toward the end of his life, however, tastes in art had changed and he died "broke" and unknown.

Reasons artists may loose popularity:

1) tastes may change
2) he/she may change style
3) new artist(s) may come along

The Rockies are sometimes associated with beer steins.