Deer in a Field 1885

Albert Bierstadt’s painting of 'Deer in a Field' would have been made with brushes, paint, and canvas, all commercially produced. The materials themselves reflect the industrial revolution that Bierstadt witnessed. Notice the way he has used the oil paint to capture the animals in a romantic golden light, evoking a sense of reverence and awe. The texture of the paint on the canvas gives the scene depth, almost as if one could walk right into the field. Bierstadt’s artmaking involves skilled techniques like glazing and blending to create realistic and impressive landscapes, but his subject matter also reflects a changing relationship to the land. As America industrialized, the wilderness became a source of nostalgia, a reminder of a simpler way of life. The painting process is tied to wider social issues of labor and consumption, reflecting the amount of work involved in the production process. Paying attention to materials, making, and context, we understand the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.