Thesis: In 1825, after two centuries of mimicking European art, American, Asher Brown Durand became one of the revolutionary founders and leaders of the Hudson River School whose focus was to encourage artists to paint American landscapes. These artists spurred by Durand transformed paintings into art that embodied Nationalism for America resulting and preserving America's national identity.
Below are some of the paintings by Durand in the Met Museum:
These paintings by Durand displayed in the Met Museum depict Durand's legacy in America. Durand was an insurgent leader who paved the way for American art. His paintings such as the ones above focused on the landscape in America. For this reason, he was able to embody the spirit of nationalism through his art ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). In the art pieces above, Durand painted landscape scenes that seemed ordinary. These landscapes were commonplace. Some of his paintings depicted trees such as the paintings Landscape-Scene from "Thanatopsis", In the Woods and The Beeches. In his other art pieces, Durand painted cattle walking in nature. The paintings River Scene and High Point; Shandaken Mountains are a few examples. Durand was able to show the simple beauty of these nature scenes in his art and spread pride for America to other people through his paintings (Karasoulas 1). Thus, it was because of his paintings, that there is an American national identity ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). He captured the awe and appreciation for his country in his work. Durand's national pride in his paintings inspired other artists and citizens to take pride in their paintings ("A 'Grand Tour'..."). Today, people visit museums such as Met Museum to view his works of art ("Asher Brown Durand"). Durand is seen as the father of American art and people look at his art as national American paintings ("A 'Grand Tour'..."). They identify his art as America's national identity ("Hudson River School Painters" 5).
Please click on the button to the right to go to the next tab:
|