Existing comment:
Alexander von Humboldt
Cosmos, A Sketch of a Physical Description of the Universe
1849
ink on paper
Frederic Church owned and read a number of Humboldt's books. Cosmos was Humboldt's most comprehensive work -- his attempt to make sense of the entire planet. What began as one volume turned into four volumes published during the last decade of his life. Cosmos is the book that made Humboldt an international celebrity. In this volume, Church marked this passage:
The azure of the sky, the form of the clouds, the vapoury mist resting in the distance, the luxuriant development of plants, the beauty of the foliage, and the outline of the mountains, are the elements which determine the total impression produced by the aspect of any particular region. To apprehend these characteristics, and to reproduce them visibly, is the province of landscape painting; while it is permitted to the artist, by analysing the various groups, to resolve beneath his touch the great enchantment of nature -- if I may venture on so metaphorical an expression -- as the written words of men are resolved into a few simple characters.
Humboldt envisioned the artist as a scientist and a poet, capable of distilling the essence of nature while retaining the specific character of the local landscape. Humboldt also encouraged scientists to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of nature.
Olana State Historic Site, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, OL.1984.376.2 |