Lectures in History
19th Century American Landscape Painting
Mar 29, 2025
Andrea Pappas, an art history professor at Santa Clara University, dives into the rich world of 19th-century American landscape painting, particularly the Hudson River School. She explores how artists like Thomas Cole depicted nature as a sacred space and its role in shaping national identity. Pappas critiques the romanticized portrayals of Native Americans and discusses the evolution from idyllic pastoral scenes to industrial influences in art. This conversation reveals the complex narratives around civilization, nature, and humanity's moral responsibilities.
01:02:19
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Hudson River School artists, including Thomas Cole and Asher B. Durand, crucially contributed to the formation of American national identity through their landscape paintings.
- The portrayal of wilderness in these artworks often ignored Indigenous influence, sparking important discussions about colonization and the historical narratives of America.
Deep dives
The Hudson River School and American Identity
The Hudson River School was a mid-19th-century art movement that celebrated the beauty of American landscapes. This movement not only captured stunning natural scenes, but it also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of national identity by highlighting the distinctiveness of North American scenery compared to European landscapes. Artists such as Thomas Cole and Asher B. Durand were key figures in this movement, using their works to reflect on what it meant to be American during a period marked by westward expansion and the formation of national parks. Their depictions of nature engendered discussions about American values and the connection between land and identity.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
