Sketchbook of Italian Landscape Subjects 1869

This is a page from Jervis McEntee's "Sketchbook of Italian Landscape Subjects." Made with graphite on paper, this work offers a glimpse into the artistic practices of the 19th century. McEntee, an American artist, was deeply influenced by the Hudson River School, which emphasized the importance of direct engagement with nature. Sketchbooks like these were essential tools for artists. They used it to quickly capture fleeting impressions of light, atmosphere, and form while traveling abroad. The choice of Italy as a subject reflects the cultural importance of the Grand Tour, an educational rite of passage for aspiring artists and intellectuals. Italian landscapes and classical ruins were considered essential subjects for study, providing a connection to the historical foundations of Western art. Understanding McEntee's sketchbook requires us to consider both the artist's personal experiences and the broader cultural context in which he worked, including the art market, the rise of tourism, and the prevailing aesthetic values of the time.