Landscape 

Edwin Austin Abbey likely made this watercolor landscape in the late 19th or early 20th century, using paper and pigments. These are the traditional tools of the artist, and as such invite us to consider this work within that history. Notice how Abbey has exploited the unique properties of his chosen medium. Watercolors allow for both broad washes of color and precise, delicate lines. The layered effect gives a real sense of depth and atmosphere. The social significance of the work emerges from its connection to a broader artistic movement, the embrace of landscape as a subject in its own right. This was a departure from earlier academic painting, where landscape only served as a backdrop for historical or mythological scenes. Abbey's technique involved a deep engagement with the process of seeing, and rendering nature. Ultimately, understanding the material and techniques used by Abbey allows us to see this work not just as a pretty picture, but as a record of a particular way of engaging with the world.