Hudson River School is famous for being the first native school of painting in the United States. It is represented by several generations of painters who worked between 1825 to 1870.
So, firstly, the origins of the name. It is thought to have originated from a picturesque region north from the New York City, through which Hudson river flows, and which inspired some of the first members of the school.However, the huge amount of Hudson River School painters share something more than the geographic location. Let's take a look at the art's characteristics :)
As the outgrowth of Romantic movement, the artists perceived nature as manifestation of God's power and mercy. One more reason they focused on the beauty of nature is to adore the American landscapes- the aim was simple nationalistic; to become independent of British influence, to create something entirely devoted to American loveliness.
They often show how people coexist with nature peacefully, in a perfect harmony. Landscapes are very realistic with all the details. The art refers to three main themes of 19th century America: discovery, exploration and settlement.
Painters were fascinated by the beauty of landscapes, the possibility of discovering and using them.
The artist said to be the "father" of Hudson River School is, an English born emigrant, Thomas Cole. He moved to New York in 1825 and quickly interested other artist with his romantic portrayals of American wilderness. The story goes that in late 1825 Cole sailed along the banks of the Hudson river, making sketches. He produced a series of paintings that, when spotted in a bookstore window by three influential artists, gained him widespread commissions and almost instant fame.
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| Distant View of Niagara Falls (1830) |
You can find one of the School's collection in Metropolitan Museum of Art
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