Aug 17/85: Mountain Landscape (from Sketchbook X) 1885

William Trost Richards made this graphite drawing titled 'Aug 17/85: Mountain Landscape', part of Sketchbook X, in 1885. During the late 19th century, landscape art was deeply entwined with notions of national identity and the romantic idealization of nature. Yet, this representation often overlooked the realities of westward expansion and its impact on indigenous populations. Here, Richards captures a serene vista, seemingly untouched. However, consider the complex history embedded in such scenes. Whose stories are absent? How does this idealized view of nature contribute to the erasure of indigenous presence and experiences? Richards’ landscapes, while beautiful, invite us to reflect on the politics of representation and the selective narratives that shape our understanding of the American landscape. Let this drawing be a point of departure to ponder the intricate connections between art, history, and cultural identity.