Landscape—Scene from "Thanatopsis"

Asher Brown Durand

Created:
Movement:
1850
Romanticism
key Notes:
Romantic naturalism, Transcendental reflection
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Dimensions:
39 1/2 x 61 in. (100.3 x 154.9 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

Landscape—Scene from "Thanatopsis" by Asher Brown Durand

Asher Brown Durand (1796–1886) was a prominent American painter and a key figure in the Hudson River School, a mid-19th century art movement known for its realistic and detailed portrayal of American landscapes. The painting Landscape—Scene from "Thanatopsis", created in 1850, exemplifies Durand's mastery in capturing the sublime beauty of nature through the medium of oil on canvas. This work is inspired by William Cullen Bryant's poem "Thanatopsis," reflecting the Romantic era's fascination with nature and the contemplation of mortality. Durand's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey the serene yet powerful essence of the American wilderness significantly contributed to the appreciation of landscape painting in the United States. His work not only influenced his contemporaries but also helped to establish a national identity through the depiction of the American landscape. Durand's legacy endures as a testament to the cultural and artistic values of his time, bridging the gap between art and literature.

Description of the work:

Landscape—Scene from "Thanatopsis" by Asher Brown Durand

Created in 1850, Asher Brown Durand's "Landscape—Scene from 'Thanatopsis'" is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Hudson River School's emphasis on detailed, naturalistic landscapes. The artwork captures the serene beauty of the American wilderness, reflecting the transcendental themes of William Cullen Bryant's poem "Thanatopsis."

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Landscape—Scene from "Thanatopsis"