Nicholas Eggenhofer: The Dean of Western Illustrators Nicholas Eggenhofer (December 5, 1897 – March 7, 1985) was a German-born American painter, illustrator, and sculptor who cemented his place as “the dean of Western illustrators.” His prolific output captured the spirit of the American frontier—cowboys, horses, Native Americans, and the rugged beauty of the landscapes—primarily through evocative paintings and detailed illustrations for pulp magazines and books. Eggenhofer’s artistic journey spanned decades, marked by unwavering dedication to his craft and a profound connection to the mytho…