At Catskill, Greene County, New York c. 19th century

This watercolor, "At Catskill, Greene County, New York" by B.F. Edmonds, captures a tranquil scene, likely painted on-site. The artist’s choice of watercolor offers a directness, a sense of immediacy. The thin washes create a soft, atmospheric effect, ideal for rendering the hazy Catskill landscape. The paper support itself is humble, suggesting a practical approach, perhaps prioritizing portability and ease of use over grand artistic statement. There’s a clear relationship here between the artwork and its likely mode of production, landscape painting emerging as a distinct genre during a period of growing industrialization, romanticizing pastoral life, and the human connection to nature. This artistic choice, using easily transportable materials, democratized artmaking, enabling more individuals to participate in visual expression. Paying attention to materials, making, and context, helps us to understand the artwork, and to challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.