Kauterskill Clove, Catskill Mountains 1880

Sanford Robinson Gifford made this painting of Kauterskill Clove in the Catskill Mountains, likely in the 1860s or 70s. It represents the kind of landscape imagery that was extremely popular at that time. Paintings like this one were more than just pretty pictures. They encouraged a particular way of seeing the United States, emphasizing its natural beauty and seemingly limitless resources. This imagery was bound up with the idea of Manifest Destiny, which justified westward expansion and the displacement of Native American populations. Landscape painting of this period was often promoted by institutions such as the National Academy of Design, which helped to shape artistic tastes and values. To understand this painting fully, we can investigate its historical context, looking at period documents such as travel guides, maps, and political speeches. By exploring the cultural and political associations of landscape imagery, we can gain a deeper understanding of its social role.