Shore Haven 

Jeff Jamison created "Shore Haven" with oils, conjuring the serenity of a beach scene. The light palette and impressionistic brushstrokes evoke the tranquility of a day by the sea. Now, consider the broader context of landscape painting. How has art been used to shape our relationship to nature? In Western art, landscapes often reflect cultural attitudes towards the environment, from idealized pastorals to sublime wilderness. How does this painting speak to our contemporary moment? Are we invited to contemplate the beauty of nature, or to reflect on our impact upon it? The historian examines the cultural, social, and institutional forces that shape artistic expression. Looking at the landscapes of the past will lead to a greater understanding of the evolving relationship between humanity and its environment.