During the years before the Civil War, American painting overcame its provincial limitations to develop a vigorous tradition, with its own characteristic subjects and treatments, popular patronage, and network of supporting institutions. The painters of the National Academy of Design collectively enjoyed wealth and fame to a degree never again reached by American artists. All this changed in the two decades after the Civil War, when European-trained painters and Europe-oriented collectors caused the collapse of the market for American art. This course will look at American painting in this turbulent period, and the response of artists to this crisis in patronage and popular support. Local collections of American paintings, including WCMA and the Berkshire Athenaeum, will provide an opportunity for fresh and original study. Requirements: one class presentation and a 20-page research paper. Prerequisites: ArtH 101-102 or permission of the instructor; Enrollment limit: 15.