Hudson River School Painting Attr. To Asher B. Durand (American 1796-1886) River Landscape c. 1860. By 1855 Durand had perfected the landscape panorama that became the hallmark of the Hudson River School. Oil on canvas (relined) Later frame. Provenance: Private Collection. 

Asher Brown Durand, born in 1796, was best known as the "father" of the Hudson River School of landscape due to his aesthetics and style. Durand studied with the engraver Peter Maverick from 1812-17 and was made a partner in 1820. Durand completed an engraving of John Trumbull's historical painting of the "Declaration of Independence", which launched his reputation nationwide. Durand went on to head three different engraving companies and had many pupils. In 1835, he gave up the business to devote himself to painting, beginning with portraiture but soon moving to landscapes.

In 1840, Durand toured Europe and then went on a painting excursion to the Adirondacks, after which he turned exclusively to landscapes. Durand wrote his nine famous "Letters on Landscape Painting", which was printed in The Crayon in 1855. These letters outlined the principals that characterized the Hudson River School. He urged students to peruse individual style and turn away from contrived drama. Durand viewed nature as its own subject, not just scenery. He believed that one should paint from direct observation, realistically, to reach the spiritual moment caught in nature. Durand's work reveals atmospheric affects with precise detail, a finished surface and almost invisible brushwork. Durand died in 1886.

Overall Size: 29 x 38 in.

Sight Size: 20 3/4 x 29 1/2 in.

Frame Thickness: 3 in.

#4836

Oil on canvas (relined) Later frame.