Tree (from Sketchbook) 1890

Albert Bierstadt made this graphite sketch of a tree, as part of a sketchbook, at an unknown date. Bierstadt was one of the foremost painters of the American West during the 19th century. The art market and institutions of the time, favored large-scale, dramatic landscape paintings that captured the grandeur and sublimity of nature. Sketchbooks like this one were important tools. They allowed artists to study the details of nature, such as the intricate branching patterns of trees, in preparation for creating those grand canvases back in their studios. This particular drawing provides a glimpse into the artist's working method and the cultural values that shaped his art. It reminds us that even the most monumental works of art are built upon careful observation and study. Art historians consult sketchbooks, letters, and exhibition records to better understand the social conditions that shape artistic production.