Haystack Mountain, Vermont

Part of the Green Mountain Range, Haystack Mountain is located near Wilmington, in the far southern center of Vermont. The highly precise sense of draftsmanship with which Asher B. Durand renders the foliage surrounding his lone hiker and dog, as well as the texture of the mountain in the distance, is a legacy of the artist’s first career. Before turning to easel painting, Durand originally worked as an engraver, who produced not only banknotes, but also translated other artists’ paintings into works on paper. This forever left him with a highly detailed sense of line and detail, which is readily apparent in this peaceful scene.