Sundown at Centre Harbor, New Hampshire 1874

William Trost Richards rendered "Sundown at Centre Harbor, New Hampshire" in oil on canvas, capturing a serene landscape that speaks volumes about 19th-century American ideals and realities. Richards, part of the Hudson River School, painted during a time of significant industrial expansion and westward movement in the United States. This landscape presents an interesting dialogue between the romanticized view of nature and the socio-political context of its time. The careful detail and quiet beauty of the scene mask the displacement and erasure of indigenous populations that was occurring in the name of progress. This painting invites us to consider the complex relationship between the aesthetic appreciation of nature and the historical narratives that shape our understanding of land and belonging. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly tranquil scenes can carry profound implications about identity, history, and the American narrative.