The Old Mill 1855

Albert Bierstadt painted "The Old Mill", a landscape painting of the mid-19th century, in the style of the Hudson River School. In the context of his time, Bierstadt's landscapes embody the concept of Manifest Destiny, reflecting the cultural belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable. Though stunning, landscapes like these often glossed over the violence inflicted on Indigenous people and the environmental impact of westward expansion. The mill, a symbol of human industry, sits nestled within an idealized and romanticized natural setting. Yet, the water wheel stands still. There is an interesting contrast between the serenity of the scene and the underlying narrative of man's intervention in nature. Bierstadt's work invites us to reflect on how the aesthetic appreciation of landscapes can be intertwined with the historical narratives and power dynamics that shaped them.