Trees Profiled against the Sky c. 1865

Henry Hill created this watercolor on paper, "Trees Profiled against the Sky" in the mid-18th century. Hill, working during a period of significant social and political change, captured the essence of the English countryside, but through a very particular lens. The painting invites us into a landscape that is both familiar and idealized. What does it mean to look at nature through the eyes of someone living through the Enlightenment? Hill’s decision to focus on the serenity of nature can be seen as a response to, or perhaps even an escape from, the societal upheavals of his time. It is worth noting that landscape art during this era often served to reinforce notions of national identity and pride. In this context, Hill's painting can be viewed as a celebration of English land ownership, subtly reflecting the social hierarchies of the time. "Trees Profiled against the Sky," with its gentle colors and tranquil scene, speaks to a longing for peace and stability in an ever-changing world.