Eanger Irving Couse

Eanger Irving Couse (1866–1936) was a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists and one of the most influential painters in early New Mexico art. Trained at the Académie Julian in Paris, Couse brought refined academic technique to his portrayals of Pueblo life and the landscapes of the American Southwest. After settling in Taos in the early 1900s, he became known for his intimate, light-filled depictions of Native American subjects that combined realism with deep respect for local culture. His work helped establish Taos as a leading center for Southwestern art and remains a cornerstone of the region’s artistic legacy.