Yosemite Valley 

Albert Bierstadt painted Yosemite Valley using oil on canvas, capturing an idealized view of the American West. His art emerged in the 19th century, a period marked by westward expansion, industrialization, and evolving notions of national identity. Bierstadt's romanticized landscapes, while celebrated for their grandeur, often overlooked the complex realities of the land, particularly the displacement and marginalization of indigenous populations. The concept of Manifest Destiny, which framed expansion as both inevitable and divinely ordained, fueled the push westward. Artists like Bierstadt played a role in shaping the visual narrative of this expansion, emphasizing the sublimity of the land while omitting the history and presence of Native Americans. As you take in this work, consider how it reinforces or challenges prevailing narratives of the time, and how it invites us to reflect on the relationship between landscape, identity, and historical consciousness. The sublime beauty captured in this painting serves as a reminder of the power of art to shape our understanding of history and the world around us.