Landscape with Mountains (from Sketchbook X) 1895

William Trost Richards created this landscape with mountains using graphite on paper. The American artist was working in a period when landscape painting was heavily influenced by the philosophy of the sublime, seeking to capture nature's grandeur. But here, Richards provides a subtle perspective on the land. The sketch avoids the visual tropes associated with masculinity and dominance which were often tied to depictions of the American West. Instead, the landscape invites a more personal, intimate dialogue. The absence of human figures allows viewers to project their own experiences and emotions onto the scene, fostering a connection with the natural world. There's a sense of quiet contemplation in the sketch, a softness that encourages us to reflect on our own place within the environment. Rather than asserting control, the artist offers a space for emotional connection and introspection. Richards turns landscape art into a reflective space, blending observation with personal feeling.