Irving Couse

Eanger Irving Couse (1866–1936) was an American painter celebrated for his sensitive and romantic depictions of Native American life, particularly scenes of the Taos Pueblo people. Known for his warm color palette, gentle lighting, and intimate portrayals, Couse’s works often depicted his subjects engaged in daily activities, surrounded by the landscapes of the American Southwest. A founding member and first president of the Taos Society of Artists, he played a key role in establishing Taos, New Mexico, as a major art center. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Couse studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Académie Julian in Paris, where he developed his academic technique. In 1889, he married fellow artist Virginia Walker, and the couple eventually settled in Taos, where they lived in a historic adobe home and studio that became a hub for visiting artists. Couse continued painting there until his death in 1936.