Valley of the Yosemite 1864

Albert Bierstadt created this oil on paper painting, "Valley of the Yosemite," capturing the American West. He was part of the Hudson River School, a mid-19th century American art movement embodied by landscape paintings. Bierstadt's work should be viewed through the lens of his time. Manifest Destiny, the belief that American settlers were destined to expand across the continent, influenced much of the art of this era. Artists visually justified westward expansion, often overlooking the displacement and marginalization of indigenous populations. Though undeniably beautiful, Bierstadt's idealized landscapes leave out the complex history of the land. This romanticized view omits the stories and experiences of the native peoples, who were the land's original stewards. The inclusion of wildlife adds to a feeling of pristine wilderness, again overshadowing the impact of colonial expansion. Looking at "Valley of the Yosemite," we can appreciate Bierstadt's artistic skill, and also consider the painting’s cultural implications related to land, identity, and historical narrative.