Sledde Bridge, from Picturesque Selections 1860

James Duffield Harding made this lithograph of Sledde Bridge, part of his 'Picturesque Selections’. It reflects a 19th-century fascination with the ‘picturesque’ – an aesthetic ideal emphasizing the beauty of nature. Harding’s image fits into a broader cultural movement in Britain, one that saw artists seeking out rural landscapes and simple, rustic scenes. The ‘picturesque’ wasn't just about pretty views; it was tied to ideas about national identity and the romanticization of rural life during a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization. It was also, we should remember, tied to a specific class perspective as well. To understand ‘Picturesque Selections’ more fully, we can examine travel guides, literature, and social commentaries from the period. These help us understand the values and aspirations of the people who consumed such images. By exploring these contexts, we reveal how art both reflects and shapes the society it inhabits.