Icebergs 

Thomas Moran created this watercolor painting, Icebergs, in 1891. It depicts a stark, formidable landscape of ice and turbulent water under a muted sky. Moran, associated with the Hudson River School, captured the sublime power of nature. But here we can see a shift, with a new focus on remote, less-traveled locations. The late 19th century saw increased exploration and scientific expeditions to the Arctic. Artists like Moran played a role in shaping public perceptions of these regions, often portraying them as both beautiful and dangerous. This romantic vision aligned with a broader cultural fascination with the ‘untamed’ wilderness, reflecting American desires for expansion, discovery, and the assertion of dominance over nature. To understand this artwork fully, we need to consider its place within the cultural and institutional contexts that shaped its production and reception. By researching the expeditions and artistic trends of the period, we can better understand how Moran's Icebergs reflects the complex relationship between art, science, and American identity.