Experience the nostalgia and love felt in 19th century America through visual depictions of America's dreams and their worst, best, and most ordinary times while living alongside Native Americans in their new home. After industrialism began to dominate the United States, many questioned the existence of God and became nostalgic for times when technology did not prevail over natural beauty. People who expressed these feelings in art took the title, Romantics. Reminiscing for natural wonders, they began to paint and to write, which inspired others to appreciate things the same way.
Rainy Season in the Tropics, Frederic Edwin Church, 1866, From the collection of: de Young museum
The consuming waterfall depicts the vastness of the world. Up a long path, travelers head towards the visible mountain, despite the clouds. The rainbow on each side shows that beauty is everywhere.
On the Beach, Thomas Doughty (1793-1856), 1827 - 1828, From the collection of: Albany Institute of History & Art
Nature looks scarce in this painting, and yet it feels filled with beauty due to the ocean setting and the animals freely drinking from the world they come from. It is simply, beautiful.
The Fountain of Vaucluse, Thomas Cole, 1841, From the collection of: Dallas Museum of Art
On a tour in Southern France, Thomas Cole memorized the scenic view then later exaggerated the castle as it had been lying in ruins for years. The spring of Vaucluse measures 308 meters in depth.
The Indian's Vespers, Asher B. Durand, 1847, From the collection of: The White House
Here we see a Native American in awe, praising the world's beauty. This painting evokes a sense of nostalgia for the viewer and immense appreciation of all the beautiful things the sun make visible.
The Caves, Robert Seldon Duncanson, 1869, From the collection of: Amon Carter Museum of American Art
Patriarchal gender roles are depicted here: men do outdoors work and women tend to household duties. The caves that the women are walking towards represents their expected conservation of not only their bodies but of their opinions and opportunities to be greater than they are allowed to be.
A Storm in the Rocky Mountains, Mt. Rosalie, Albert Bierstadt, 1866, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
The storm emphasizes the lake rather than the majestic mountains that surround it. Nostalgia for the wonders of the world and the natural spotlight created is evoked. I like this painting because it makes me wonder about parts of the world that I have not seen, and how many inventions simply mimic the rare occurrences of the world.
Hot Springs of the Yellowstone, 1872, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
This painting illustrates the untouched beauty of the Yellowstone Hot Springs, which later became a National Park. The image does not fully depict the Hot Springs, as when one actually experiences Yellowstone, many other sensory factors will play into the experience.
View of Greenwood Lake, New Jersey, Jasper Francis Cropsey, 1845, From the collection of: de Young museum
I envy the artist because he was able to see this and take a large breath and know so much about the world. This picture makes me feel like I can make sense of everything I've experienced in this world and so much more. It feels like home.
Flower Still Life with Bird's Nest, Severin Roesen, American (born Germany), 1816 - c. 1872, 1853, From the collection of: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Droopy flowers in this American Genre painting portrays the simplicities of nature. Yes, a massacre of the flower beds but a beautiful depiction of the ordinary American life. Not enough time to arrange the flowers, but just enough lax to be beautiful.
Still Life with Watermelon, Pears, Grapes, Lilly Martin Spencer, ca. 1860, From the collection of: National Museum of Women in the Arts
Therapeutically, this American Genre painting relaxes its viewers by taking their minds off of the chaotic Industrial changes in America. Finding beauty in things considered ordinary makes the ordinary viewer feel extraordinary.
The Money Diggers, John Quidor, 1832, From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Two men dig for money, emphasizing the American Dream for normal people; Success in a new land by any means necessary. The fire in the nighttime setting indicates determined and hardworking individuals.
The Low Lighthouse, North Shields, Robert Salmon, 1775–ca.1845, British, 1828, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
America, the Beautiful! The light at the end of the tunnel, and quite literally the land with the lighthouse to guide ships out of the "tunnel" that is the sea. Arriving at port with supplies and people illustrates the many things America had to offer, especially to those seeking for a new life, or a better one. The American Dream is depicted well in this painting.
Snowy Range and Foothills from the Valley of Valmont, Colorado, John Frederick Kensett, 1870, From the collection of: Denver Art Museum
What might have been seen as potential factory space was really an ample range that could have served as a ranch. This evoked nostalgia for nature that just was, and did not need an explanation.
The vastness of the world is truly depicted in this painting due to the fact that luminism is evident as the brush strokes are not visible, which portrays the scene almost in its entirety. Once the viewer realizes that this beauty only takes up one part of the world, they then go on to realize that there are so many similar places, ones that will take their breath away.
Patty-Cake, Lilly Martin Spencer (American, b.1822, d.1902), Circa 1855, From the collection of: Cincinnati Art Museum
A mother engaging with her daughter in a juvenile way portrays a natural and simple life, without excessive worrying about what comes next. The pair seem to be in the moment and nothing short of happy.
The Cutting Scene, Mandan O-kee-pa Ceremony, George Catlin, 1832, From the collection of: Denver Art Museum
Many differences can be drawn between the Native Americans and the newly established Americans. The Mandan O-kee-pa Ceremony was a coming of age ceremony in which young men endured torture in order to become a "real" man. For the colonists, becoming a man was rather a mentality gained or proven through physical strength, not subjecting to torture.
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