Art and Art History Collection (Saskia)

Twilight in the Wilderness (detail)

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Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Time Period

1860

Abstract

Church created this painting by combining several different sketches made in Maine and New York. The dramatic light electrifying the entire composition is based on sunsets he witnessed from the window of his New York City studio.Perhaps the artist intended twilight to suggest the end of a cosmic cycle---a meaning that coincides with the feeling that the Civil War would change American civilization forever. The panoramic splendor created by brilliant clouds floating above a tranquil landscape also suggests the divine authority of "manifest destiny," the idea that Americans of European stock had a right to the continent.

Keywords

Cleveland (Ohio), New York, NY., Style: Luminism, School: American Hudson River School, Movement: Romantic, Painting, Painting

Alt Text

A tall tree with a twisted trunk and branches stands against a colorful sky, with other trees visible in the background. The scene features warm hues of red, orange, and blue in the sky.

Geographic Location

Cleveland (Ohio); New York, NY.

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Paintings; Pictures

Identifier

A01-PUF0013

Twilight in the Wilderness (detail)

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