View in the Valley of Oberhasle, Switzerland 1842

Asher Brown Durand painted this view of the Oberhasle Valley in Switzerland using oil on canvas. Durand was a key figure in the Hudson River School, a mid-19th century American art movement known for its romantic depictions of the American landscape. But what does it mean for an American artist to turn his attention to the Swiss Alps? At the time, the cultural institutions of Europe were seen as the benchmark of artistic achievement. American artists often felt compelled to study and paint in Europe to gain recognition. Durand’s choice of subject reflects this artistic pilgrimage but it also demonstrates the growing interest of American audiences in European scenery. Travelogues and engravings of Europe were popular, and paintings like this allowed viewers to experience the sublime beauty of the Alps from afar. To understand the cultural dynamics at play, we might look at travel literature, art criticism, and exhibition records from the period. These resources would reveal the complex relationship between American art, European influence, and the construction of national identity.