Mountain Lake 1865

Albert Bierstadt made 'Mountain Lake' with oil on paper, using a technique known as "oiling out". Look closely, and you'll notice how Bierstadt’s brushwork influences the appearance of the landscape. Through precise application, he captures the texture of the mountain, the reflection of the sky on the still water, and the mist swirling around the peaks. The sheen and viscosity of oil paint allowed Bierstadt to achieve luminosity, imitating nature. The practice of oil painting has a long history, linked to the rise of the artist as a skilled professional. Bierstadt’s virtuosity with oil paint elevates landscape painting. He worked within an established academic tradition and contributed to the myth-making around the American West. By focusing on the material and process, we understand how artworks like this one are made. This blurs the line between art and craft, highlighting the work involved in artistic production.