American art

With more than 5,000 objects spanning the 17th century to the present, our American art collection is the most comprehensive in the American West.

Highlights

Current page: 2 of 6

Current page: of 6 pages

Stories

Painting by Wayne Thiebaud of many colorful cakes on a table, some on cakestands

Painting by Wayne Thiebaud of many colorful cakes on a table, some on cakestands

Reflections on Wayne Thiebaud from a Former Student

An insider’s perspective on Wayne Thiebaud.

By Grace Munakata, painter, teacher, and Wayne Thiebaud’s former student and friend

Art Thief: Lessons from Wayne Thiebaud

Discover the lesser-known influences that shaped Wayne Thiebaud’s distinctive style.

Video American art
Wayne Thiebaud and the Art of Reinterpretation

10 artworks that illustrate Wayne Thiebaud’s passionate engagement with art history.

Article American art
Curator Crossover: So a Scientist Walks into an Art Museum . . .

Taking a closer look at some of the animals in our artworks.

By Jack Dumbacher, curator of birds and mammals, California Academy of Sciences

Article American art Oceanic art

About the American art collection

Keep exploring