Existing comment:
Art for the Common Man: American Landscape Painting:
The Jacksonian Era -- broadly defined as 1820 to 1860 -- was an age characterized by the settlement of new western territories, the rapid expansion of commerce and industry, and the spread of political democracy. Developments in the visual arts reflected Americans' intense national pride, desire for self-expression, and awareness of the common man. Painters realized that portraiture alone could not establish a heroic tradition reflective of the new nation's promise, and sought to master other subjects.
Many followed the lead of Thomas Cole, founder of the first native school of landscape painting (known as the Hudson River School), glorifying the uniqueness of the country's terrain. Eager to convey the common belief in Manifest Destiny -- that Americans had been chosen by God to explore and settle the entire continent -- painters strove to capture every blade of grass and awe-inspiring sunset. Ultimately, the extolled not only the natural wonders of the northeastern United States, but also those of the American West, South America, Europe, and the Near East, providing armchair travelers with views of exotic scenery most had never seen. |