Hudson (from Sketchbook) 1870

This is Daniel Huntington’s pencil sketch, "Hudson," made sometime in the 19th century. Huntington was a prominent figure in the New York art scene, deeply engaged with the cultural and intellectual currents of his time. As we gaze at the Hudson River School of Art, we must consider the historical context that shaped it. During the 19th century, America was in a period of expansion and industrialization, coupled with growing environmental concerns. There was also the rise of transcendentalism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the inherent goodness of people and nature. What do you feel when you see Huntington's drawing? Does it evoke a sense of peace, a longing for the past, or perhaps a concern for the future of our environment? This work encourages us to reflect on our relationship with nature and the choices we make as a society.