The Dr. Samuel R. Poliakoff Collection of Western Art

Eggenhofer’s fascination with the American West began as a boy in his native Bavaria where he attended a performance of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. In 1913 he immigrated with his family to New Jersey. Eggenhofer’s deep interest with the region continued to grow and he yearned to travel to the wide-open spaces of the West. It would be many years, however, before he had the opportunity to do so. Instead, he became one of the most prolific illustrators of Western pulp magazines. He was a tireless researcher, becoming a true student of Western history. Eventually he and his family moved to Wyoming where he was able to fulfill his dream of working as western artist.