Near Squam Lake, New Hampshire 1856

David Johnson made this landscape painting of Near Squam Lake in New Hampshire with oil on canvas. Johnson was part of the second generation of Hudson River School painters who, during the mid-19th century, captured the American landscape. It’s tempting to view this painting as a simple representation of nature, yet it’s important to consider the historical context. Manifest Destiny, the belief that American settlers were destined to expand across the continent, fueled westward expansion and profoundly impacted Native American populations. Artists like Johnson contributed to this narrative by portraying an idyllic, untouched wilderness, subtly reinforcing the idea of land ripe for the taking. Look at the figures on the road; they are dwarfed by the scale of the land, suggesting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. This contrasts sharply with the violent displacement of indigenous peoples that was occurring at the time. This painting, while beautiful, asks us to consider the complex relationship between art, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about our history.