Outline of Trees, Figure, and Canoe (from Sketchbook X) 1885

This is a delicate pencil sketch entitled "Outline of Trees, Figure, and Canoe," created by William Trost Richards sometime in the late 19th century. Richards, a landscape painter associated with both the Hudson River School and American Pre-Raphaelitism, captures a serene waterside scene. During this period, landscape art served not only as aesthetic pleasure but also as a reflection of America's evolving relationship with its environment and the romanticization of nature. The figure in the canoe hints at themes of exploration and leisure, but also raises questions about the historical context of such activities. Who is this person? Is this person able to access these areas? This work echoes the cultural narratives of the time, touching upon themes of man and nature, and inviting us to reflect on the power dynamics embedded within landscape art itself.