Mountain Resort 1859

Albert Bierstadt, who lived from 1830 to 1902, created this oil on canvas painting, Mountain Resort, using materials that had become readily available during the Industrial Revolution. The paint, premixed and sold in tubes, allowed artists to work en plein air, directly in front of the landscape. Note how Bierstadt uses the inherent qualities of oil paint to capture the textures of the natural world. The smooth, blended strokes in the sky contrast with the textured, layered brushwork in the trees and foliage. This suggests Bierstadt meticulously observed his surroundings, carefully rendering the play of light and shadow across the landscape. The level of detail also speaks to the amount of labor involved in creating such a work, reflecting a cultural appreciation for both natural beauty and artistic skill. By emphasizing the materiality and processes behind Mountain Resort, we can appreciate how painting in the late 19th century reflected broader social and economic changes, challenging traditional notions of art and craft.