Bridge in Landscape (from Sketchbook) 1796 - 1886

Asher Brown Durand made this pencil sketch of a landscape with a bridge, likely during his travels in the United States, at some point in his career. The Hudson River School, to which Durand belonged, sought to establish a distinctly American artistic identity. Rejecting European academic traditions, these artists turned to the American landscape as a source of national pride and spiritual renewal. In this context, the bridge becomes more than just a physical structure; it’s a symbol of connection. Connecting humanity with nature, but also bridging the divide between the wild, untamed wilderness and the expanding settlements of a growing nation. Durand’s choice of subject reflects the social and cultural values of his time, including ideas of progress, expansion, and the relationship between humans and the environment. To truly understand Durand's work, we can turn to sources like letters, diaries, and exhibition reviews, to delve into the prevailing attitudes and debates of his time. By exploring these resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of how Durand's art reflects and shapes the world around him.