The Lackawanna Valley c. 1856

George Inness created “The Lackawanna Valley” using oil paint, a traditional fine art medium that, interestingly, he applies to an industrial subject. The painting’s surface is smooth, with blended colors creating soft gradations in the sky and foliage. However, it's the sharp contrast between the natural landscape and the emerging industrial presence that grabs your attention. Inness was commissioned by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad, so we are looking at a work of propaganda, designed to show that technological advancement and environmental harmony could coexist. Note the train, small and non-polluting, set against a broad vista. The painting technique itself, involving the skilled manipulation of oil paint to create a seemingly realistic scene, can be seen as a parallel to the industrial processes it depicts: both transform raw materials into something new. Ultimately, Inness’ work prompts us to consider the social and environmental impact of progress, and the role of art in shaping our perceptions.