Mountain Landscape (from Sketchbook X) 1885

William Trost Richards created this graphite drawing of a mountain landscape as part of his Sketchbook X. Richards, born in Philadelphia, was part of the generation that looked to nature as a source of both spiritual and aesthetic experience. During the 19th century, the American landscape was often depicted as a symbol of national identity and expansion. Richards’ landscapes avoid any overt reference to contemporary social issues such as industrialization and urbanization. Instead, the emphasis on untouched wilderness served as a statement of cultural values. In rendering the scene with delicate detail, one can sense the feeling of being immersed in an environment that has been relatively untouched by human impact. It's almost as though we can feel the crisp mountain air. While such works evoke themes related to the natural world, they also reflect upon how culture shapes our perceptions. In this landscape, we may find both appreciation for nature’s beauty and an awareness of the complex relationship between society and its environment.