William Bennett picnickers placidly observing the sublimity of  Niagara Falls make the landscape friendly and accessible.  The fall’s thundering power and force are intimidating, but the inclusion of picnickers reduces the scope of the scene and makes it comprehensible. Bennett’s visual setting is atypically picturesque, and in this instance, often imitated. Featured Image:  William James […] read more

Bartlett’s View from Mount Holyoke was accompanied by a text by Nathaniel P. Willis. The view is a topographical landscape, and Willis asserted that this was “Probably the richest view in America, in point of cultivation and fertile beauty.” Unknown to Bartlett and Willis, Thomas had painted the Oxbow from Mount Holyoke in 1836. Exercising […] read more