Long Island Sound at Darien 

John Frederick Kensett captured this view of Long Island Sound at Darien with oil on canvas during a time when the United States was grappling with its identity, particularly in relation to nature and expansion. Kensett, aligned with the Hudson River School, presents a serene landscape, but this tranquility exists within a complex historical context. As settlers moved westward, displacing Indigenous peoples, the concept of 'untouched' nature became a contested space. Kensett's landscapes, while beautiful, also participate in a narrative of American exceptionalism, where nature is seen as a resource to be admired and possessed. The emotional appeal of the artwork lies in its invitation to pause and reflect, yet we must also consider the historical narratives embedded within these idyllic scenes. How do these landscapes shape our understanding of American identity and our relationship with the land?