Durand's Different Opinion about Art
To read an article written by Durand please click on the right to download the file.
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Nature is a changing force:
One of the crucial points that Durand mentions is nature. Durand had a different opinion about nature. He wrote, "...we have a faith that to Beauty and its messengers, even times and season have a deference" (Durand 1). This quote establishes the fact that Durand believed that nature is constantly changing. He wanted to study nature all the time to show that even the same scene in nature could be different. Durand explained that nature was a dynamic force because it is never the same all the time. He said that the seasons were an example of nature changing. In the summer, nature is alive with many plants. However, in the winter, there are few plants and the land seems cold and distant. Even the time has an affect on the land, in the evening everything is indistinct because of all the dark shadows. But, in the afternoon, all the plants and animals in nature are noticeable since the sun is shining on everything. Durand had a revolutionary view. Previously, everyone thought that there was nothing special in nature. Nature was full of trees and grass; nothing ever changed. But, Durand showed that nature was full of surprises. By advising people to observe nature closely, Durand was trying to change their perceptions. In this way, he was an insurgent leader because he was improving and advancing the art world. He changed the the concept of the landscape for artists. Durand inspired people to focus on nature in art. He emphasized on its unique aspects in his paintings. His paintings set an example for other American artists and as a result, there were more artists painting American landscapes. Many artists followed his example and took his advice to capture nature in their art. Thus, art was transformed into a source of national pride because Durand was able to get Americans to appreciate their country in their artwork. Durand emphasized to artists through his paintings that they should pay attention to nature. Therefore, he inspired them to paint landscapes. In addition, Durand's paintings contained nationalism. Durand's paintings and the other artists that he inspired to paint landscapes captured the notion of patriotism in their art because they focused on the unique qualities that American landscape had and did not change it at all. (To get a more detailed explanation about how his paintings proved his point click on the “Intricate Paintings of nature” tab above.) These artists proved that America was a diverse landscape. This patriotic display was crucial in American history because before the arrival of the Hudson River School, Americans did not have a national identity. They had national pride, but no national identity ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). Durand's paintings created America's national identity. His art captured the pride that all Americans felt when they realized the diversity and wealth offered from the American land. He communicated his pride through his art. As a result, an identity for the country was born. America's national identity was important to the formation of American culture because America didn't have their own distinctive culture (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). But, Durand's paintings created the first American identity ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). So, now Americans were proud to have their own culture. It boosted America's morale because previously, Europe did not see America as an actual country since it was always imitating Britain's culture (Stern 1). Furthermore, the national identity brought the country together because Americans now were proud to be a country that was totally independent from Britain, even in its culture.
Durand explains in his article about the inconstant force of nature. He gives an example of the wonders that is in nature. He stated, "There is a little blue flower the liver-leaf which blossoms almost at the edge of our forest snows, springing up at the first instant of breath the earth gets after its winter trance...." (Durand 1). In this instance, Durand used a flower to prove his point. He argued that nature offer all these delights to humans at different times of the year. Durand states that flowers are one of the wonders of nature. They only appear during spring and summer in the forests. However, when it is winter, the flowers are buried under snow which is another gift from nature. Here, Durand explains the different ways that nature shows off its beauty to humans. There are flowers of bright colors during the warm seasons to brighten up the world. In contrast, in the winter, the snow blankets over everything in the land bringing a sense of tranquility to the world with the never ending white. Durand was able to make progress in the art world. In this instance, he opened up a new view of the world for other artists. Durand made artists more grateful to nature. By writing about the gift of nature, he passed on his appreciation for nature to other artists. He was a revolutionary leader in this sense because he thought differently from former famous artists. Durand saw nature as a piece of work left by God that is intriguing. In contrast, other artists believed nature is monotonous. In Durand's eyes, Americans should be grateful for having such a beautiful country that has extraordinary landscape. Thus, Durand advised Americans in his article to capture American landscapes in their art. This led to nationalism to be embodied in art because the artists that were inspired by Durand, only captured the unique aspects of nature. They were celebrating the beauty of America. Durand’s enthusiasm for nature showed through his paintings and writing. He encouraged other artists to appreciate nature through his works of art. For this reason, Durand made patriotic art because his art was an admiration of America and its landscape. Durand inspired future of artists to make art as a tribute for nature and God. Their artwork created America's national identity because they were celebrating the beauty of the land in their paintings. For this reason, Durand's paintings were important. His art incorporated the idea of America; his paintings were a representation of the country. Durand's art portrayed some of the American themes that was created during Jackson's presidency (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). His art portrayed the ordinary but spectacular aspects of America and American pride in the land during that time (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). These were American themes (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). The creation of the national identity was significant because the identity was something that all Americans could relate to. Americans had nothing to boast about proudly before (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). There was nothing strictly American. However, with the national identity, Americans now had an American culture to be proud of. Americans knew what made America an amazing country and how Americans were better than other citizens of other countries.
One of the crucial points that Durand mentions is nature. Durand had a different opinion about nature. He wrote, "...we have a faith that to Beauty and its messengers, even times and season have a deference" (Durand 1). This quote establishes the fact that Durand believed that nature is constantly changing. He wanted to study nature all the time to show that even the same scene in nature could be different. Durand explained that nature was a dynamic force because it is never the same all the time. He said that the seasons were an example of nature changing. In the summer, nature is alive with many plants. However, in the winter, there are few plants and the land seems cold and distant. Even the time has an affect on the land, in the evening everything is indistinct because of all the dark shadows. But, in the afternoon, all the plants and animals in nature are noticeable since the sun is shining on everything. Durand had a revolutionary view. Previously, everyone thought that there was nothing special in nature. Nature was full of trees and grass; nothing ever changed. But, Durand showed that nature was full of surprises. By advising people to observe nature closely, Durand was trying to change their perceptions. In this way, he was an insurgent leader because he was improving and advancing the art world. He changed the the concept of the landscape for artists. Durand inspired people to focus on nature in art. He emphasized on its unique aspects in his paintings. His paintings set an example for other American artists and as a result, there were more artists painting American landscapes. Many artists followed his example and took his advice to capture nature in their art. Thus, art was transformed into a source of national pride because Durand was able to get Americans to appreciate their country in their artwork. Durand emphasized to artists through his paintings that they should pay attention to nature. Therefore, he inspired them to paint landscapes. In addition, Durand's paintings contained nationalism. Durand's paintings and the other artists that he inspired to paint landscapes captured the notion of patriotism in their art because they focused on the unique qualities that American landscape had and did not change it at all. (To get a more detailed explanation about how his paintings proved his point click on the “Intricate Paintings of nature” tab above.) These artists proved that America was a diverse landscape. This patriotic display was crucial in American history because before the arrival of the Hudson River School, Americans did not have a national identity. They had national pride, but no national identity ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). Durand's paintings created America's national identity. His art captured the pride that all Americans felt when they realized the diversity and wealth offered from the American land. He communicated his pride through his art. As a result, an identity for the country was born. America's national identity was important to the formation of American culture because America didn't have their own distinctive culture (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). But, Durand's paintings created the first American identity ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). So, now Americans were proud to have their own culture. It boosted America's morale because previously, Europe did not see America as an actual country since it was always imitating Britain's culture (Stern 1). Furthermore, the national identity brought the country together because Americans now were proud to be a country that was totally independent from Britain, even in its culture.
Durand explains in his article about the inconstant force of nature. He gives an example of the wonders that is in nature. He stated, "There is a little blue flower the liver-leaf which blossoms almost at the edge of our forest snows, springing up at the first instant of breath the earth gets after its winter trance...." (Durand 1). In this instance, Durand used a flower to prove his point. He argued that nature offer all these delights to humans at different times of the year. Durand states that flowers are one of the wonders of nature. They only appear during spring and summer in the forests. However, when it is winter, the flowers are buried under snow which is another gift from nature. Here, Durand explains the different ways that nature shows off its beauty to humans. There are flowers of bright colors during the warm seasons to brighten up the world. In contrast, in the winter, the snow blankets over everything in the land bringing a sense of tranquility to the world with the never ending white. Durand was able to make progress in the art world. In this instance, he opened up a new view of the world for other artists. Durand made artists more grateful to nature. By writing about the gift of nature, he passed on his appreciation for nature to other artists. He was a revolutionary leader in this sense because he thought differently from former famous artists. Durand saw nature as a piece of work left by God that is intriguing. In contrast, other artists believed nature is monotonous. In Durand's eyes, Americans should be grateful for having such a beautiful country that has extraordinary landscape. Thus, Durand advised Americans in his article to capture American landscapes in their art. This led to nationalism to be embodied in art because the artists that were inspired by Durand, only captured the unique aspects of nature. They were celebrating the beauty of America. Durand’s enthusiasm for nature showed through his paintings and writing. He encouraged other artists to appreciate nature through his works of art. For this reason, Durand made patriotic art because his art was an admiration of America and its landscape. Durand inspired future of artists to make art as a tribute for nature and God. Their artwork created America's national identity because they were celebrating the beauty of the land in their paintings. For this reason, Durand's paintings were important. His art incorporated the idea of America; his paintings were a representation of the country. Durand's art portrayed some of the American themes that was created during Jackson's presidency (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). His art portrayed the ordinary but spectacular aspects of America and American pride in the land during that time (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). These were American themes (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 274). The creation of the national identity was significant because the identity was something that all Americans could relate to. Americans had nothing to boast about proudly before (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). There was nothing strictly American. However, with the national identity, Americans now had an American culture to be proud of. Americans knew what made America an amazing country and how Americans were better than other citizens of other countries.
Art is something that can't be taught:
Durand advised future artists to teach themselves how to paint and draw instead of studying art with another artist. He believed that, "...he is, at least, in danger of losing his own identity, and from the habit of seeing with the eyes and following in the track of his master, become in the end what is most degrading in the mind of every true artist, a mere imitator, a mannerist" (Durand 2). Durand believed that artists should not learn to study from professional artists right away. He believed that artist must develop their own styles. Otherwise, their art would be an imitation of the art that they studied from. He wanted individualism in America. This was an idea that clashed with the views of previous American painters. American artists were used to mimicking Europe because European art was the standard for their art (Stern 1). There was no individualism or freedom in art since all the artists were attempting to copy European art. In short, Durand separated American art from European art. He was a radical leader who told other artists to not imitate other artists’ work. His paintings set the new standard for American art because he was a self-taught artist who did not follow the European art trends (Karasoulas 1). Instead, he focused on America to paint. Thus, Durand was able to make art in America patriotic. His paintings indicated his pride for not imitating European art. Durand was proud of America for being an independent country so he painted it. For this reason, Durand's paintings capture the spirit of nationalism. Furthermore, he inspired artists to concentrate on making their own art through his advice. As a result, artists were painting nature in America because Durand became their role model. Although, they painted in different styles because they learned to develop their own painting styles. American artists showed their individual art styles proudly through their art. They realized that the variety in art and nature was what made their country extraordinary compared to other artists. They took pride in their individualism and for being an American. So the artists conveyed their honor by painting American landscapes. The pride that was portrayed through Durand's art and the Hudson River School's art was the reason why their art became the national identity. These painters transformed art in America into American art since their art was dedicated to praising the country itself. During the Hudson River School art movement, America was still developing as a country so the creation of the national identity helped the country develop (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). The national identity gave America gave the country a distinctive identity. Americans were still unsure what exactly made an American an American (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). However, when the Hudson River School artists painted the landscape, Americans realized that the most American feature of the country was their individualism. The painters all painted in different styles and they displayed different areas of the country. There was individualism in the land and the people. The formation of the national identity made people realize this.
In Durand’s opinion, there was only one teacher in the world and that was nature. He wrote, "...of painting direct from Nature as soon as he shall have acquired the first rudiments of Art" (Durand 2). Durand believed that the perfect teacher for an art student was nature. The best way to learn to paint is through hands on experience. He thought that an artist could be a self-made artist like him. Durand wanted all artist to go outdoors and actually paint themselves. He saw that studying another artist’s work was not the correct way to learn art. Art was a subject that could not be taught watching someone else paint; an artist had to learn by himself. By giving this advice through his article written in the magazine, Crayon, Durand became a revolutionary leader. He wanted artists to have their own art style and avoid copying another artist’s work. Durand encouraged individualism in art making him revolutionary. His paintings demonstrates his belief in individualism because he painted differently from artists during his time. His art centered around American landscape. In addition, Durand's paintings of nature showed his nationalism for America. Durand was always painting nature to show his appreciation; he associated America with the landscape. His strong goal to promote individualism transformed art into nationalism for America. Durand wanted artists to be independent from Europe. Durand was one of the few artists who separated American art from European art. He wanted them to stop going to Britain to get art lessons. Americans do not need the Europeans to learn to paint. They could learn themselves. For that reason, Americans turned away from European art because of Durand's advice. He told artists to paint American landscape which implied that nature in America was a source of pride. Instead of portrait paintings, American artists painted landscape paintings. For the first time, America’s pride of their independence from Britain was becoming evident in their art. Durand changed art and made Americans proud to be Americans. The honor shown in the paintings of the Hudson River School artists made the nation's national identity. In art, artists were displaying their pride of being an independent nation from Britain. The national identity transformed the unspoken pride that all Americans felt into an identity for the country. After the War of 1812, Americans felt nationalism because their country defeated Great Britain (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 294). They were prideful. The creation of the national identity was important because although many Americans were prideful, there was no national identity. Their pride was the only common factor that brought all Americans together. However, with the formation of the national identity, Americans realized that there was more to America than their pride in winning a war. America was not only an individual country but it has its own unique culture which was portrayed through the Hudson River School paintings. The national identity made Americans prideful of their independence and their individuality. They only needed to look at the land to be proud. America now had its own culture.
The painting below was painted by Durand in 1853. It is called Study in the Woods. This painting demonstrates Durand's beliefs that artists should go out into the wild to improve their art skills. He painted many works of art like this to study nature and learn more about art. This painting showed Durand's patriotism because he believed that artists could be as skilled as European artists by studying nature in America. He art pieces like the one below, embodied his nationalism. Americans who saw paintings like this one, became proud of their country because Durand was proving that America was the best country with all its unique landscape.
Durand advised future artists to teach themselves how to paint and draw instead of studying art with another artist. He believed that, "...he is, at least, in danger of losing his own identity, and from the habit of seeing with the eyes and following in the track of his master, become in the end what is most degrading in the mind of every true artist, a mere imitator, a mannerist" (Durand 2). Durand believed that artists should not learn to study from professional artists right away. He believed that artist must develop their own styles. Otherwise, their art would be an imitation of the art that they studied from. He wanted individualism in America. This was an idea that clashed with the views of previous American painters. American artists were used to mimicking Europe because European art was the standard for their art (Stern 1). There was no individualism or freedom in art since all the artists were attempting to copy European art. In short, Durand separated American art from European art. He was a radical leader who told other artists to not imitate other artists’ work. His paintings set the new standard for American art because he was a self-taught artist who did not follow the European art trends (Karasoulas 1). Instead, he focused on America to paint. Thus, Durand was able to make art in America patriotic. His paintings indicated his pride for not imitating European art. Durand was proud of America for being an independent country so he painted it. For this reason, Durand's paintings capture the spirit of nationalism. Furthermore, he inspired artists to concentrate on making their own art through his advice. As a result, artists were painting nature in America because Durand became their role model. Although, they painted in different styles because they learned to develop their own painting styles. American artists showed their individual art styles proudly through their art. They realized that the variety in art and nature was what made their country extraordinary compared to other artists. They took pride in their individualism and for being an American. So the artists conveyed their honor by painting American landscapes. The pride that was portrayed through Durand's art and the Hudson River School's art was the reason why their art became the national identity. These painters transformed art in America into American art since their art was dedicated to praising the country itself. During the Hudson River School art movement, America was still developing as a country so the creation of the national identity helped the country develop (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). The national identity gave America gave the country a distinctive identity. Americans were still unsure what exactly made an American an American (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). However, when the Hudson River School artists painted the landscape, Americans realized that the most American feature of the country was their individualism. The painters all painted in different styles and they displayed different areas of the country. There was individualism in the land and the people. The formation of the national identity made people realize this.
In Durand’s opinion, there was only one teacher in the world and that was nature. He wrote, "...of painting direct from Nature as soon as he shall have acquired the first rudiments of Art" (Durand 2). Durand believed that the perfect teacher for an art student was nature. The best way to learn to paint is through hands on experience. He thought that an artist could be a self-made artist like him. Durand wanted all artist to go outdoors and actually paint themselves. He saw that studying another artist’s work was not the correct way to learn art. Art was a subject that could not be taught watching someone else paint; an artist had to learn by himself. By giving this advice through his article written in the magazine, Crayon, Durand became a revolutionary leader. He wanted artists to have their own art style and avoid copying another artist’s work. Durand encouraged individualism in art making him revolutionary. His paintings demonstrates his belief in individualism because he painted differently from artists during his time. His art centered around American landscape. In addition, Durand's paintings of nature showed his nationalism for America. Durand was always painting nature to show his appreciation; he associated America with the landscape. His strong goal to promote individualism transformed art into nationalism for America. Durand wanted artists to be independent from Europe. Durand was one of the few artists who separated American art from European art. He wanted them to stop going to Britain to get art lessons. Americans do not need the Europeans to learn to paint. They could learn themselves. For that reason, Americans turned away from European art because of Durand's advice. He told artists to paint American landscape which implied that nature in America was a source of pride. Instead of portrait paintings, American artists painted landscape paintings. For the first time, America’s pride of their independence from Britain was becoming evident in their art. Durand changed art and made Americans proud to be Americans. The honor shown in the paintings of the Hudson River School artists made the nation's national identity. In art, artists were displaying their pride of being an independent nation from Britain. The national identity transformed the unspoken pride that all Americans felt into an identity for the country. After the War of 1812, Americans felt nationalism because their country defeated Great Britain (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 294). They were prideful. The creation of the national identity was important because although many Americans were prideful, there was no national identity. Their pride was the only common factor that brought all Americans together. However, with the formation of the national identity, Americans realized that there was more to America than their pride in winning a war. America was not only an individual country but it has its own unique culture which was portrayed through the Hudson River School paintings. The national identity made Americans prideful of their independence and their individuality. They only needed to look at the land to be proud. America now had its own culture.
The painting below was painted by Durand in 1853. It is called Study in the Woods. This painting demonstrates Durand's beliefs that artists should go out into the wild to improve their art skills. He painted many works of art like this to study nature and learn more about art. This painting showed Durand's patriotism because he believed that artists could be as skilled as European artists by studying nature in America. He art pieces like the one below, embodied his nationalism. Americans who saw paintings like this one, became proud of their country because Durand was proving that America was the best country with all its unique landscape.
Art is a replica: There should be no enhancements
Durand’s opinions about art conflicted with other artists. He wanted art to be as realistic as possible. He stated, "Let him scrupulously accept whatever she presents him... and then he may approach her....even venturing to choose and reject some portions of unbounded wealth; but never let him profane her sacredness by a wilful departure from the truth" (Durand 2) Durand wanted artists to paint nature as they see it because he thought that adding religious references in the paintings ruined the landscape. He believed that the whole point in landscape painting is to show nature as it is presented in the world. His opinion about art contrasted with the Europeans' view on art. The Europeans thought that art should have a religious message or a message about power, so they included references or added embellishments in their artwork. However, Durand wanted to break away from Great Britain and make art that genuinely depicted nature. He did not want to glorify paintings and make them unrealistic like the Europeans. Durand thought that glorifying nature ruined the paintings. He believed that nature was made from God like all the other Hudson River School painters ("Hudson River School Painters" 3). Therefore, enriching nature to please an artist’s needs was disrespectful. Durand’s different perspective of art changed American art. He was a revolutionary leader who transformed the ideals for art. Unlike other artists, Durand made paintings that were exact replicas of the landscape. In this way, he set an example for other artists to paint realistic paintings of nature. He encouraged these artists to avoid enhancing their art and let it speak for itself. Art was a way to communicate their gratefulness for nature. Moreover, he made American art nationalistic; because of him, artists respected their country. Durand's paintings depicted America in its natural state; for this reason, his paintings were patriotic since he did not find any faults in it to glorify the landscape. As a result, Americans artists started to paint landscapes because they were amazed that the landscape inspired Durand to paint his incredible works of art. As a result of these glorified paintings, America's national identity was made. The Hudson River School art did not change the landscape in America which meant that the Hudson River School artists found America perfect. Their art showed the land simply without any complications. The national identity was crucial for the country. America had no national identity previously ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). So the creation of the nation's identity helped the country because Americans were always copying Britain's paintings (Stern 1). American artists did not have an American identity to help them form American art ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). However, when Durand painted landscapes, he proved to Americans all over the country, that Americans should not rely on Europe as role models in art. America could make their own art. The country is independent and strong. The creation of the national identity made Americans realized that they need to develop their own country. They are finally independent and have to form their own country and government.
Here, Durand explains the significance of art that did not try to magnify landscape. Durand wrote in his article in the Crayon, "For I maintain that all Art is unworthy and vicious which is at variance with Truth..." (Durand 2). Durand states that his opinion that paintings should stay true to nature. He wanted art to only show the beautiful landscape of America. He did not want any artists to glorify it. Durand saw glorified art as another way to lie to people. He believed that art should be an exact replica of nature. As a result of his opinion, Durand transformed the world of art for Americans. He wanted art to be taken seriously and not taken lightheartedly because before artists painted lies in their paintings. They would over exaggerate portraits of leaders or landscape paintings to try to make the people see a powerful leader or force. However, in Durand's paintings, he only painted what he saw in order to stay true to nature. He was a revolutionary leader who set an example for future American artists. Through his paintings, landscape art was taken seriously because they were detailed and an exact replica of nature. He did not try to make nature look better. This was unlike other landscape paintings such as Thomas Cole’s paintings which tried to magnify the beauty of nature and were not exact. Durand’s paintings did not try to idealize the landscape which made his art a source of nationalism. Durand was so proud of his country that he found no reason to try to fix the landscape in his paintings. America was superb so he thought it was unnecessary to change it. Since Durand did not try to exaggerate the landscape it meant that his art expressed nationalism for America. Durand was honored to paint American landscape; all his paintings display his dedication and enthusiasm for America. He brought a new concept to other artists since he painted realistically. For this reason, other artists were inspired to paint landscapes as realistically as possible. They understood that art was a way to display their country in all its glory. But, glorifying their paintings would ruin the beauty found in America. Durand was a revolutionary leader who made the art of landscape painting a serious form of art. Americans now saw the value in landscapes because it portrayed the beauty and pride of the country. This in turn made his art patriotic because his paintings were celebrating the splendor of America. Another way Durand's art affected America is that it created the national identity. Durand painted landscape paintings only depicted America and his admiration for the country. For this reason, his art symbolized America. The Hudson River School paintings formed the national identity. America's own national identity was important because it was the first time America had its own independent identity from Great Britain ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). The identity came at a crucial time in American history. America did not have its own culture (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). Many Americans did not know how America was different from Europe; even though America had announced that it was independent from Britain years before (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). The national identity helped established what the country meant to people. America has diverse landscapes. The identity made Americans see that America was different and unique because it has its own type of art: landscape paintings. In addition, American artists are proud to show even the simplest aspects of nature like its trees. The national identity made Americans realize their gratitude for the country.
Below is a painting by Asher B. Durand showing how he only painted what he saw. He painted Landscape: Creek and Rocks in 1850-59. This painting is an example of how Durand revolutionized the art world. Durand painted many intricate paintings like this to prove that landscape art is a serious type of art; because his paintings did not over glorify nature, Durand was able to convince other people to paint landscapes. In this painting, Durand painted a bunch rocks scattered around a puddle of water. Durand's paintings such as the one below created the national identity because he incorporated nationalism and American pride in his art.
Durand’s opinions about art conflicted with other artists. He wanted art to be as realistic as possible. He stated, "Let him scrupulously accept whatever she presents him... and then he may approach her....even venturing to choose and reject some portions of unbounded wealth; but never let him profane her sacredness by a wilful departure from the truth" (Durand 2) Durand wanted artists to paint nature as they see it because he thought that adding religious references in the paintings ruined the landscape. He believed that the whole point in landscape painting is to show nature as it is presented in the world. His opinion about art contrasted with the Europeans' view on art. The Europeans thought that art should have a religious message or a message about power, so they included references or added embellishments in their artwork. However, Durand wanted to break away from Great Britain and make art that genuinely depicted nature. He did not want to glorify paintings and make them unrealistic like the Europeans. Durand thought that glorifying nature ruined the paintings. He believed that nature was made from God like all the other Hudson River School painters ("Hudson River School Painters" 3). Therefore, enriching nature to please an artist’s needs was disrespectful. Durand’s different perspective of art changed American art. He was a revolutionary leader who transformed the ideals for art. Unlike other artists, Durand made paintings that were exact replicas of the landscape. In this way, he set an example for other artists to paint realistic paintings of nature. He encouraged these artists to avoid enhancing their art and let it speak for itself. Art was a way to communicate their gratefulness for nature. Moreover, he made American art nationalistic; because of him, artists respected their country. Durand's paintings depicted America in its natural state; for this reason, his paintings were patriotic since he did not find any faults in it to glorify the landscape. As a result, Americans artists started to paint landscapes because they were amazed that the landscape inspired Durand to paint his incredible works of art. As a result of these glorified paintings, America's national identity was made. The Hudson River School art did not change the landscape in America which meant that the Hudson River School artists found America perfect. Their art showed the land simply without any complications. The national identity was crucial for the country. America had no national identity previously ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). So the creation of the nation's identity helped the country because Americans were always copying Britain's paintings (Stern 1). American artists did not have an American identity to help them form American art ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). However, when Durand painted landscapes, he proved to Americans all over the country, that Americans should not rely on Europe as role models in art. America could make their own art. The country is independent and strong. The creation of the national identity made Americans realized that they need to develop their own country. They are finally independent and have to form their own country and government.
Here, Durand explains the significance of art that did not try to magnify landscape. Durand wrote in his article in the Crayon, "For I maintain that all Art is unworthy and vicious which is at variance with Truth..." (Durand 2). Durand states that his opinion that paintings should stay true to nature. He wanted art to only show the beautiful landscape of America. He did not want any artists to glorify it. Durand saw glorified art as another way to lie to people. He believed that art should be an exact replica of nature. As a result of his opinion, Durand transformed the world of art for Americans. He wanted art to be taken seriously and not taken lightheartedly because before artists painted lies in their paintings. They would over exaggerate portraits of leaders or landscape paintings to try to make the people see a powerful leader or force. However, in Durand's paintings, he only painted what he saw in order to stay true to nature. He was a revolutionary leader who set an example for future American artists. Through his paintings, landscape art was taken seriously because they were detailed and an exact replica of nature. He did not try to make nature look better. This was unlike other landscape paintings such as Thomas Cole’s paintings which tried to magnify the beauty of nature and were not exact. Durand’s paintings did not try to idealize the landscape which made his art a source of nationalism. Durand was so proud of his country that he found no reason to try to fix the landscape in his paintings. America was superb so he thought it was unnecessary to change it. Since Durand did not try to exaggerate the landscape it meant that his art expressed nationalism for America. Durand was honored to paint American landscape; all his paintings display his dedication and enthusiasm for America. He brought a new concept to other artists since he painted realistically. For this reason, other artists were inspired to paint landscapes as realistically as possible. They understood that art was a way to display their country in all its glory. But, glorifying their paintings would ruin the beauty found in America. Durand was a revolutionary leader who made the art of landscape painting a serious form of art. Americans now saw the value in landscapes because it portrayed the beauty and pride of the country. This in turn made his art patriotic because his paintings were celebrating the splendor of America. Another way Durand's art affected America is that it created the national identity. Durand painted landscape paintings only depicted America and his admiration for the country. For this reason, his art symbolized America. The Hudson River School paintings formed the national identity. America's own national identity was important because it was the first time America had its own independent identity from Great Britain ("Hudson River School Painters" 5). The identity came at a crucial time in American history. America did not have its own culture (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). Many Americans did not know how America was different from Europe; even though America had announced that it was independent from Britain years before (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 273). The national identity helped established what the country meant to people. America has diverse landscapes. The identity made Americans see that America was different and unique because it has its own type of art: landscape paintings. In addition, American artists are proud to show even the simplest aspects of nature like its trees. The national identity made Americans realize their gratitude for the country.
Below is a painting by Asher B. Durand showing how he only painted what he saw. He painted Landscape: Creek and Rocks in 1850-59. This painting is an example of how Durand revolutionized the art world. Durand painted many intricate paintings like this to prove that landscape art is a serious type of art; because his paintings did not over glorify nature, Durand was able to convince other people to paint landscapes. In this painting, Durand painted a bunch rocks scattered around a puddle of water. Durand's paintings such as the one below created the national identity because he incorporated nationalism and American pride in his art.
Art is a source of national pride:
Right after America gained its independence from Great Britain, it was busy trying to establish a central government that all the states approved of (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). Unity was the main priority of the government (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). Art was pushed aside and given no thought because it was insignificant to the development of the country; the national government was more important (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). However, Durand tried to get people to pay attention to art again. He mentioned, "...that the artist has a place in the heart of mankind, which you deprive him of only with the certain consequence of imperfect being for yourselves" (Durand 1). In this way, Durand was a radical leader since he was trying to establish the idea that art was more than pictures. He claimed that art was not only about portraits, but there were landscape paintings. Most Americans assumed that art was just paintings of leaders or ordinary citizens. Durand reasoned that art is nationalism because it depicts the magnificence of America through landscape paintings. Paintings represented the nation’s values and ideas. Durand mentioned that art has a place in society because it is relatable to everyone since it depicts the nation’s beauty in paintings and everyone has seen nature. He wanted the art world to be more involved with the nation. Durand incorporated art into the nation’s identity which makes him a revolutionary leader. In his paintings, Durand painted many American landscape scenes to show that art represented America because it was showing off America in a positive light. In this way, art is a source of national pride. Durand made his paintings a national source of pride. His landscape paintings was able to convey the message of nationalism because it only focused on nature in America. Durand broke away from European portraiture art and as a result he was able to create the first American art with his landscape paintings. He established the connection of art and nationalism in America. By establishing this connection, Durand encouraged many artists to paint landscape paintings themselves. He convinced many artists to be patriotic to America and be proud that they are independent. Thus, Durand's encouragement toward other artists, spread the art of landscape painting in America. Durand managed to incorporate art into the nation's identity because his paintings created the national identity. He painted landscape scenes all over America. As a result, many Americans associated his art with America's identity. His art showed the American pride in their landscape and nature. The creation of the national identity brought unity to the nation. After the War of 1812, the national government attempted to bring unity to all the states (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). Although, it was Durand's art that brought unity to the states. His art showed everything that America stood for, for everyone. His art was able to overcome the sectional differences in the states because everyone was proud of the American land and he displayed this in his art. Americans felt like they belonged in their country. For this reason, his art formed the nation's identity.
One of the new notions that Durand introduced to America was pride in the country itself. He conveyed his patriotism when he said, "Does the world of nature absolutely lie around them a waste desert-only so much space to be got over, where they travel blinded eyes until all that is most glorious and instinct with immorality in them has died for want of culture" (Durand 1). Durand is in disbelief; he cannot believe that Americans are not admiring their own country. He thinks that the landscape of America should be appreciated because it is the one unique quality about America. The landscape is so diverse compared to other countries. He managed to promote nationalism of the landscape. Durand was able to develop national pride through his landscape paintings because he was able to emphasize the diverse aspects of America. In his paintings, Durand portrayed an unique and free America. He painted many landscape paintings showing the fascinating landscape. He was a radical leader in this way because he did not copy other artists. He painted the landscape and emphasized in nationalism. Durand changed the art world in America through his paintings since his art indicated patriotism in America. For the first time in American history, American art was conveying its pride in its own country. Art in America was independent from Europe now because Durand did not imitate European art. He just painted nature in America and represented America's national identity. Durand became a role model for other artists who joined the Hudson River School. These inspired artists also painted landscape because Durand opened up the new perspective of pride in the land of America. The Hudson River School's paintings and Durand's paintings created the nation's identity because their art contained the pride and admiration that Americans had for their country. The landscape paintings symbolized America for citizens. America's national identity was important for America because it gave Americans a sense of pride and boosted the nation's morale. Previously, America had no identity or even its own culture because it modeled everything off of Europe (Stern 1). However, with the creation of the national identity, it gave the country its own identification and culture. The creation of the nation's identity made Americans proud to live in America because they realized how valuable America is. It is the only country with diverse landscapes. Americans were proud of their land. This boosted the nation's morale because Americans now were confident in their country. Although, America was a new country, the national identity made the country seem more independent and official. America was completely independent and separated from Great Britain because it no longer was part of the country and America even developed its own culture.
Right after America gained its independence from Great Britain, it was busy trying to establish a central government that all the states approved of (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). Unity was the main priority of the government (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). Art was pushed aside and given no thought because it was insignificant to the development of the country; the national government was more important (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). However, Durand tried to get people to pay attention to art again. He mentioned, "...that the artist has a place in the heart of mankind, which you deprive him of only with the certain consequence of imperfect being for yourselves" (Durand 1). In this way, Durand was a radical leader since he was trying to establish the idea that art was more than pictures. He claimed that art was not only about portraits, but there were landscape paintings. Most Americans assumed that art was just paintings of leaders or ordinary citizens. Durand reasoned that art is nationalism because it depicts the magnificence of America through landscape paintings. Paintings represented the nation’s values and ideas. Durand mentioned that art has a place in society because it is relatable to everyone since it depicts the nation’s beauty in paintings and everyone has seen nature. He wanted the art world to be more involved with the nation. Durand incorporated art into the nation’s identity which makes him a revolutionary leader. In his paintings, Durand painted many American landscape scenes to show that art represented America because it was showing off America in a positive light. In this way, art is a source of national pride. Durand made his paintings a national source of pride. His landscape paintings was able to convey the message of nationalism because it only focused on nature in America. Durand broke away from European portraiture art and as a result he was able to create the first American art with his landscape paintings. He established the connection of art and nationalism in America. By establishing this connection, Durand encouraged many artists to paint landscape paintings themselves. He convinced many artists to be patriotic to America and be proud that they are independent. Thus, Durand's encouragement toward other artists, spread the art of landscape painting in America. Durand managed to incorporate art into the nation's identity because his paintings created the national identity. He painted landscape scenes all over America. As a result, many Americans associated his art with America's identity. His art showed the American pride in their landscape and nature. The creation of the national identity brought unity to the nation. After the War of 1812, the national government attempted to bring unity to all the states (Buhle, Czitrom, Armitage, and Faragher 295). Although, it was Durand's art that brought unity to the states. His art showed everything that America stood for, for everyone. His art was able to overcome the sectional differences in the states because everyone was proud of the American land and he displayed this in his art. Americans felt like they belonged in their country. For this reason, his art formed the nation's identity.
One of the new notions that Durand introduced to America was pride in the country itself. He conveyed his patriotism when he said, "Does the world of nature absolutely lie around them a waste desert-only so much space to be got over, where they travel blinded eyes until all that is most glorious and instinct with immorality in them has died for want of culture" (Durand 1). Durand is in disbelief; he cannot believe that Americans are not admiring their own country. He thinks that the landscape of America should be appreciated because it is the one unique quality about America. The landscape is so diverse compared to other countries. He managed to promote nationalism of the landscape. Durand was able to develop national pride through his landscape paintings because he was able to emphasize the diverse aspects of America. In his paintings, Durand portrayed an unique and free America. He painted many landscape paintings showing the fascinating landscape. He was a radical leader in this way because he did not copy other artists. He painted the landscape and emphasized in nationalism. Durand changed the art world in America through his paintings since his art indicated patriotism in America. For the first time in American history, American art was conveying its pride in its own country. Art in America was independent from Europe now because Durand did not imitate European art. He just painted nature in America and represented America's national identity. Durand became a role model for other artists who joined the Hudson River School. These inspired artists also painted landscape because Durand opened up the new perspective of pride in the land of America. The Hudson River School's paintings and Durand's paintings created the nation's identity because their art contained the pride and admiration that Americans had for their country. The landscape paintings symbolized America for citizens. America's national identity was important for America because it gave Americans a sense of pride and boosted the nation's morale. Previously, America had no identity or even its own culture because it modeled everything off of Europe (Stern 1). However, with the creation of the national identity, it gave the country its own identification and culture. The creation of the nation's identity made Americans proud to live in America because they realized how valuable America is. It is the only country with diverse landscapes. Americans were proud of their land. This boosted the nation's morale because Americans now were confident in their country. Although, America was a new country, the national identity made the country seem more independent and official. America was completely independent and separated from Great Britain because it no longer was part of the country and America even developed its own culture.
The Spiritual Side of Art:
Before the Hudson River School, artists only painted portraits of people (Stern 1). Their purpose for painting was to record the person’s face (Stern 1). However, when Durand came into the art world, he had a different purpose for art. He said, art should, "....impresses us with the same feelings and emotions that we experience in the presence of Reality" (Durand 2). Durand states that art should convey the artists' emotions. He painted landscapes in an attempt to convey his feelings of awe for nature. He also painted in order to convey the power of God through nature in his paintings. Durand wanted everyone to feel his admiration for nature through his paintings. Durand had a actual message that he wanted people to learn when they look at his art. In contrast, portrait paintings before the Hudson River School did not have any real messages they wanted to convey ("Romantic Era" 1). Durand wanted to inspire people to go out into nature themselves and enjoy it. He tried to transfer his emotions of gratitude for nature in his art. Although, Durand's message was partly religious, he was a revolutionary leader because he wanted his art to inspire other people. In contrast, art from Europe was only made to show people the portraits of other people (Stern 1). Sometimes, these paintings implied a message to viewers. But, this message was only to show the power God or the power of the rulers. The purpose of the portraits were to show rulers as an almighty people (Stern 1). The paintings wanted to make people feel powerless. However, Durand had a different message through his art. He wanted people to reconnect with nature through his art. His art made American art nationalistic because he was inspiring people to focus on nature and appreciate it. Durand portrayed nature scenes in his art to inspire people who viewed it. Furthermore, his art broke away from European art because he was trying to convey emotions through his paintings. Durand became the revolutionary leader of the Hudson River School because he introduced the idea of conveying emotion in art into the art world. He was the first American artist to realize that art was a way to convey emotions and thoughts of the artist to other people. It was just another form of communication. For this reason, Durand's paintings were nationalistic because they not only conveyed his astonishment for nature but his gratitude for living in America. Thus, his art embody nationalism. The nationalism that was found in Durand's art, encouraged other artists to paint landscape paintings. These artists were inspired to paint art that communicated their feelings to viewers. Durand opened up a new perspective of art for other artists who later joined the Hudson River School art movement. The Hudson River School's paintings and Durand's paintings helped create the nation's identity. Although, Durand's intention was to only inspire people to go out into nature, his art held a deeper message for people. Americans saw his art as a way to communicate his pride of the land. His pride in the land caused him to encourage other people to go out into nature through his art. Thus, the national identity was formed because people saw the nationalism portrayed in Durand's art. The creation of the national identity was crucial for the America because it made America truly independent from Great Britain. Durand's art broke away from Europe's art because he actually included deep messages in his art. This new art created the nation's identity because it showed Americans how they were different from Great Britain. It brought Americans closer together because they were now unified in their differences against Britain. The national identity demonstrated how unique America was compared to Europe. Since this was after the War of 1812, it showed that America was truly an independent nation. America now had its own identity and Americans were finally looking at their own country for inspiration for their art.
The landscape painting above was painted by Thomas Moran in 1872. It is called Grand Canyon. In this painting, the random blue and white light coming from the canyon indicates nature's connection with God. The light itself is God because it is this random powerful energy coming from the canyon. Durand was able to inspire many artists to paint landscape paintings and have the same beliefs as him. Many of the Hudson River School paintings conveyed the emotions of the artist. For instance, in this painting, Moran was astonished by the sight of the grand canyon and he was able to imply the awe he felt through his painting. This painting conveys his astonishment because it shows the enormity of the canyon. In addition, the bright blue and white light highlights the magnificence of the canyon.
Before the Hudson River School, artists only painted portraits of people (Stern 1). Their purpose for painting was to record the person’s face (Stern 1). However, when Durand came into the art world, he had a different purpose for art. He said, art should, "....impresses us with the same feelings and emotions that we experience in the presence of Reality" (Durand 2). Durand states that art should convey the artists' emotions. He painted landscapes in an attempt to convey his feelings of awe for nature. He also painted in order to convey the power of God through nature in his paintings. Durand wanted everyone to feel his admiration for nature through his paintings. Durand had a actual message that he wanted people to learn when they look at his art. In contrast, portrait paintings before the Hudson River School did not have any real messages they wanted to convey ("Romantic Era" 1). Durand wanted to inspire people to go out into nature themselves and enjoy it. He tried to transfer his emotions of gratitude for nature in his art. Although, Durand's message was partly religious, he was a revolutionary leader because he wanted his art to inspire other people. In contrast, art from Europe was only made to show people the portraits of other people (Stern 1). Sometimes, these paintings implied a message to viewers. But, this message was only to show the power God or the power of the rulers. The purpose of the portraits were to show rulers as an almighty people (Stern 1). The paintings wanted to make people feel powerless. However, Durand had a different message through his art. He wanted people to reconnect with nature through his art. His art made American art nationalistic because he was inspiring people to focus on nature and appreciate it. Durand portrayed nature scenes in his art to inspire people who viewed it. Furthermore, his art broke away from European art because he was trying to convey emotions through his paintings. Durand became the revolutionary leader of the Hudson River School because he introduced the idea of conveying emotion in art into the art world. He was the first American artist to realize that art was a way to convey emotions and thoughts of the artist to other people. It was just another form of communication. For this reason, Durand's paintings were nationalistic because they not only conveyed his astonishment for nature but his gratitude for living in America. Thus, his art embody nationalism. The nationalism that was found in Durand's art, encouraged other artists to paint landscape paintings. These artists were inspired to paint art that communicated their feelings to viewers. Durand opened up a new perspective of art for other artists who later joined the Hudson River School art movement. The Hudson River School's paintings and Durand's paintings helped create the nation's identity. Although, Durand's intention was to only inspire people to go out into nature, his art held a deeper message for people. Americans saw his art as a way to communicate his pride of the land. His pride in the land caused him to encourage other people to go out into nature through his art. Thus, the national identity was formed because people saw the nationalism portrayed in Durand's art. The creation of the national identity was crucial for the America because it made America truly independent from Great Britain. Durand's art broke away from Europe's art because he actually included deep messages in his art. This new art created the nation's identity because it showed Americans how they were different from Great Britain. It brought Americans closer together because they were now unified in their differences against Britain. The national identity demonstrated how unique America was compared to Europe. Since this was after the War of 1812, it showed that America was truly an independent nation. America now had its own identity and Americans were finally looking at their own country for inspiration for their art.
The landscape painting above was painted by Thomas Moran in 1872. It is called Grand Canyon. In this painting, the random blue and white light coming from the canyon indicates nature's connection with God. The light itself is God because it is this random powerful energy coming from the canyon. Durand was able to inspire many artists to paint landscape paintings and have the same beliefs as him. Many of the Hudson River School paintings conveyed the emotions of the artist. For instance, in this painting, Moran was astonished by the sight of the grand canyon and he was able to imply the awe he felt through his painting. This painting conveys his astonishment because it shows the enormity of the canyon. In addition, the bright blue and white light highlights the magnificence of the canyon.
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