Catskill Mountain House from Pine Orchard (from Sketchbook) 1834 - 1838

John William Casilear sketched "Catskill Mountain House from Pine Orchard" using graphite on paper. As part of the Hudson River School, Casilear’s work captures the American landscape, but also mirrors broader cultural tensions of the 19th century. The Catskill Mountain House was a famed resort that catered to wealthy elites, while movements for abolition and social reform gained momentum. Think about how landscape art can reflect the complex relationships between leisure, privilege, and the changing social landscape. Casilear's delicate lines invite us into a scene of natural beauty, but also hints at the layers of social and economic realities that shaped its appeal. The sketch captures a moment of tranquility. We are encouraged to reflect on the stories it tells about access, representation, and the evolving American identity.