19th-century American art was characterized by a diverse range of styles and movements, reflecting the country's growth and changing identity. Artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church were key figures in the Hudson River School, which focused on landscapes that celebrated the beauty of nature and the American wilderness. Another significant movement was American Impressionism, which emerged in the late 1800s, emphasizing light and color. Artists such as Mary Cassatt and Childe Hassam captured everyday life and social themes, contributing to a broader understanding of American culture during this transformative period.