Hernando Villa (1881-1952) Southern California Spanish Tower Painting c1930s

Hernando Gonzallo Villa was an American artist known for his striking depictions of the American West. Born in 1881 in Los Angeles to Mexican parents, he studied at the Los Angeles School of Art and Design before furthering his education in Europe. He worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years, creating iconic illustrations, most notably “The Chief,” which became a well-known emblem of the company. His commercial art captured the landscapes, people, and cultures of the Southwest, helping to define the visual identity of the region.

Beyond his commercial success, Villa was an accomplished fine artist, working in oils and watercolors to portray the rich heritage of the West. His paintings often depicted vaqueros, Native Americans, and California’s missions, blending historical accuracy with a romanticized aesthetic. Through both his illustrations and paintings, Villa preserved the imagery of the Southwest, leaving a lasting impact on American Western art.