Sanctified Landscape by David Schuyler
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
Sanctified Landscape by David Schuyler
This book came out ten years ago in 2012, and the subtitle is Writers, Artists, and the Hudson River Valley, 1820–1909.
David's book, Sanctified Landscape, is about the first iconic American landscape: the Hudson River Valley. The title references a passage written by landscape painter Thomas Cole.
Imagine a valley painted in hues of emerald and sapphire, a landscape where the whispers of history intertwine with the rustling of leaves. Such is the Hudson River Valley, a place that has captivated artists, writers, and dreamers alike.
David Schuyler's Sanctified Landscape invites us on a journey through this idyllic realm, a time when the American spirit was finding its voice. From the romantic musings of Washington Irving to the dramatic brushstrokes of Thomas Cole, we witness the birth of a distinctly American aesthetic.
As the century unfolds, the Hudson Valley becomes a canvas for both artistic expression and societal change. Industrialization paints its mark on the landscape, yet the yearning for nature's solace persists. Schuyler's prose, as rich and evocative as the valley itself, reveals the profound connection between man and nature that has shaped our nation's identity.
In the early 1800s, the picturesque Hudson was home to writers and artists like Washington Irving, James Fenimore Cooper, and Thomas Cole. As far as the artistic community was concerned, there was no better place on earth.
However, the landscape was not immune to the changes happening in the country at large. The artist community in the Hudson Valley was among America's earliest conservationists and did their best to protect their slice of Eden. The Catskill and Hudson Valley remain beloved areas of the country.
Whether you're a lover of art and history or simply seeking a glimpse into America's past, Sanctified Landscape offers a captivating exploration of a place that has captured the imagination for generations.
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