Mountainside (from Sketchbook X) 1885

William Trost Richards made this pencil drawing called Mountainside, which comes from Sketchbook X. Though undated, it provides a window into the artistic practices of the 19th century. Richards, as a white male artist, occupied a privileged position, during a time of significant industrial expansion and romanticized views of nature. Here, the stark monochromatic rendering encourages us to consider how landscapes are not merely passive backgrounds, but active sites of cultural and historical meaning. Note the intricate details of the mountain's form. Consider how this rendering reflects or challenges the dominant narratives of the time. Does it evoke the sublime, or does it invite a more intimate connection with the land? This drawing, invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature and the values we project onto it.