Created:
Movement:
1854
Romanticism
key Notes:
Luminous landscape, Hudson River School
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
24 x 34 1/8 in. (61 x 86.7 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"River Scene" is a painting by Asher Brown Durand, created in 1854. Durand was a prominent member of the Hudson River School, an American art movement known for its romanticized landscapes. The painting exemplifies Durand's focus on the natural beauty of the American landscape, characterized by detailed rendering and a harmonious composition. It features a serene river setting, surrounded by lush foliage and distant mountains, reflecting the artist's appreciation for nature. Durand's technique includes a careful use of light and shadow, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the scene. The work is significant for its representation of the American wilderness during a period of increasing industrialization. "River Scene" is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Further details about the painting's provenance or exhibition history are not widely documented.

Description of the work:

"River Scene," created by Asher Brown Durand in 1854, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's commitment to the American landscape tradition. The composition features a serene river winding through a lush, verdant landscape, framed by towering trees that dominate the foreground. The use of light is notable, with dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances the three-dimensionality of the scene. The color palette is characterized by rich greens and earthy browns, conveying a sense of natural harmony. The meticulous attention to detail in the rendering of foliage and water reflects Durand's interest in realism and the beauty of the American wilderness. The overall atmosphere of the painting evokes tranquility and a deep appreciation for nature, aligning with the ideals of the Hudson River School, of which Durand was a prominent member.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
River Scene