A Companion to American Art presents 35 newly-commissioned essays by leading scholars that explore the methodology, historiography, and current state of the field of American art history.

• Features contributions from a balance of established and emerging scholars, art and architectural historians, and other specialists
• Includes several paired essays to emphasize dialogue and debate between scholars on important contemporary issues in American art history
• Examines topics such as the methodological stakes in the writing of American art history, changing ideas about what constitutes "Americanness," and the relationship of art to public culture
• Offers a fascinating portrait of the evolution and current state of the field of American art history and suggests future directions of scholarship