Paintings Collection
Take A Closer Look!
The artworks in the Wisconsin Historical Society's paintings collection tell--and show--Wisconsin's history. From still lifes to portraits, these items are not just for decoration! They present images of the remarkable faces and places that created our past and shape our future, filling in the blanks where written records leave questions.
Painting of Paul Seifert farm showing rock formations in background and farm buildings nearby. ID:W0116PA
Paintings Collection
History leaps off the canvas!
After over 17 decades of growth, the Wisconsin Historical Society's extensive paintings collection provides a comprehensive visual account of state history and aesthetics. The collection is stored at the Society's various buildings and Historic Sites, but visitors can also find paintings from our collection on display at parks and museums across the state, as well as the State Capitol itself!
The Society's collection features art by renowned painters such as George Catlin right alongside works from lesser-known local artists. Subject matter is similarly diverse, covering a broad range of content important to the history of Wisconsin. From portraits of noteworthy Native Nations leaders to genre scenes of rural farm life, topics of all kinds are immortalized in this collection.
To learn more, check out our paintings gallery and embark on a visual journey through Wisconsin’s past!
Search Through Our Online CollectionCollection Categories
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Animal paintings
Paintings in which the primary subject is an animal, generally a dog, horse, or other prized pet or livestock, or an exotic wild animal.
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Genre paintings
Paintings that represent scenes or events from everyday life.
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History paintings
Paintings that depict multi-figure narrative scenes of real or legendary events, especially those in the academic style and with subject matter intended to convey a noble sentiment.
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Landscape paintings
Paintings that depict outdoor scenes where the picture is dominated by the land, bodies of water, and natural elements.
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Marine paintings
Paintings that depict scenes having to do with ships, shipbuilding, or harbors.
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Portrait paintings
Paintings representing a real individual's known or supposed likeness, usually including the face of the person.
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Still Life paintings
Paintings in which the focus is a depiction of inanimate objects, often arraigned or found in a certain grouping. Common subjects include vases, flowers, fruit, and other small objects.
Collections Use FAQs
Explore how you can find, access, and use our collection materials.
The Society's library and archives collections can be searched in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library catalog and some parts of our collections have been digitized and are available online.
The Society's historical object collection cannot be searched online.
Library & Archives
Many books, bound periodicals, microforms and government publications may be checked out for home use with a library card. Rare, fragile, small and heavily used materials (including genealogical resources) do not circulate. A borrowing card is not required if you want to use materials within the Library. Archival materials are available for use in our Archives Reading Room.
For more information about our borrowing policies Library & Archives Services.
Historic Objects
If you are interested in viewing our historical objects please contact us.
Due to significant demands associated with developing the Wisconsin History Center, the Society has reduced capacity to handle loan requests. Therefore, we are not accepting new requests at this time.
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the webpage for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
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Personal use (prints, gifts, home and study): Request images for personal use
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Commercial use (public display, publishing, media, products, film and more): Request commercial use of our Collection
Materials in our websites and digital collection are provided for research, teaching, and private study. The Wisconsin Historical Society hold rights to some items; others may be governed by additional copyright or donor restrictions.
We encourage users to download low-res images from our website for personal or classroom use, without written permission, within the meaning of the principles of “Fair Use.”
Permission is required for reproduction, publication, or commercial use of any content made available through our websites and digital collection. By using this website, including our digital collections, you agree to the Terms of Use. Users are responsible for determining whether their intended use qualifies as fair use under U.S. copyright law. When relying on fair use, cite the source.
Visit Our
Library & Archives
Perhaps the best way to begin exploring our collections is by visiting us in person. In our reading rooms, you’ll find free and unparalleled access to our collections, helpful staff and amenities, and perhaps, your very own story.
Plan Your Visit Hours
Donate to The Society's Collections
Your Story is Wisconsin's Story
History is made every day, everywhere. Since 1846, contributions from people across the state have helped us fulfill our mission to collect, preserve and tell the stories of Wisconsin.
Find Out HowLast Updated: April 27, 2026
