Lakeshore View [Long Lake?] (from Sketchbook) 1857 - 1867

Thomas Hewes Hinckley created this graphite drawing called *Lakeshore View* at an unknown date. Hinckley, who came from a family of abolitionists, often depicted animals in idyllic landscapes, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world, and perhaps as allegories to the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. Note the lone pine tree dominating the foreground. While seemingly serene, the image hints at the complex relationship between humanity and nature during a period of rapid industrialization and westward expansion. The drawing’s delicate lines and muted tones evoke a sense of quiet contemplation but can also be interpreted as a longing for a simpler, more harmonious existence. The landscape—empty of people—may also make you consider the landscapes taken from indigenous people during this time. Through its tranquil surface, *Lakeshore View* quietly speaks to broader societal anxieties and aspirations, inviting us to reflect on our place within the natural world.