Using well-known Hudson River school paintings by Thomas Cole, Frederic Church, Asher B. Durand and others as a point of departure, this lecture provides an introduction to the broad landscape culture of mid-nineteenth century America. The popularity of literary works by William Cullen Bryant and James Fenimore Copper as well as tourist destinations from the Catskills to Italy are examined for their influence on American painting, vernacular architecture and garden design.

SERIES OVERVIEW: This three-part series conducted by art historian, Julie Levin Caro, explores the various visual and cultural contexts surrounding the Hudson River school of landscape painting.