The Falls of St. Anthony 1887

"The Falls of St. Anthony" was realized by Albert Bierstadt using oil paints on canvas, a traditional medium for landscape painting of the time. Bierstadt meticulously applied layers of pigment, creating a smooth surface to capture the grandeur and sublime nature of the American landscape. The inherent qualities of oil paint allow for a high level of detail, seen in the textures of the rocks, trees, and cascading water. The artist used brushes to blend the paints and achieve a sense of depth and atmosphere. The process is tied to wider social issues of manifest destiny. These large paintings, commissioned by wealthy patrons, reinforced a romanticized view of the American West as a land of opportunity, downplaying the exploitation and displacement of indigenous populations, all fuelled by the work that goes into extracting natural resources, and the promise of wealth creation. Ultimately, understanding the materials, labor, and context challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and craft, inviting us to consider the social and cultural significance embedded within Bierstadt's painting.