Sea Cliffs and Redwoods 

Eyvind Earle made this print, 'Sea Cliffs and Redwoods,' using serigraphy, a process that allows for great control over color and texture. It depicts a stylized California landscape, emphasizing its dramatic cliffs and the iconic redwood trees. Earle's landscapes were part of a broader cultural movement in mid-20th century America that sought to define and celebrate the nation’s natural beauty. The image cultivates an aesthetic that romanticizes nature, transforming the wilderness into a picturesque and sublime vista. This approach has complex implications, of course: such idealized images often gloss over the historical realities of environmental exploitation and the displacement of indigenous populations. They also served the specific interests of the tourist industry and the real estate markets. As historians, we can look at period advertising, travel guides, and even the artist’s own statements to uncover the complex web of cultural, economic, and political factors that shaped both the production and reception of works like this.