View of Fort Snelling c. 1850
edwardkthomas
minneapolisinstituteofart
oil-on-canvas
abstract painting
impressionist painting style
impressionist landscape
possibly oil pastel
oil painting
fluid art
acrylic on canvas
united-states
painting painterly
watercolour illustration
oil-on-canvas
watercolor
"View of Fort Snelling" (c. 1850) by Edward K. Thomas depicts a picturesque landscape of the fort, the Mississippi River, and Native American life. The artist captures the fort in the distance, showcasing the American flag flying over the sprawling complex. In the foreground, Native Americans engage in traditional activities, a contrast to the imposing military presence. The scene highlights the co-existence of different cultures in the early 19th century, offering a glimpse into the history of Fort Snelling and its surrounding environment. This oil on canvas painting is a significant example of early American landscape painting, showcasing Thomas’s meticulous detail and keen eye for capturing the beauty of the region.
Comments
Although the upper reaches of the Mississippi River were sparsely settled in the 1850s, a surprising number of artists sought out the northern landscapes. Edward Thomas's View of Fort Snelling exemplifies frontier images in which Dakota tipis, houses of the families associated with the American Fur Company, and the military fort exist side by side. Such depictions served as accurate topographical representations and also as visual records of a landscape already in transition. Conservation of this picture was made possible by a generous contribution from Al and Dena Naylor through the Art Champions program.
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