The Hudson River School was the grand school of American painting and one of the most visually stunning. It was part of the Romantic era, which focused on landscape and the vastness of nature, rather than people or urban life. In the United States, it is best associated with Thomas Cole and his art school in the Hudson River Valley of New York. Some of his major students or counterparts include Frederic Edwin Church, Asher Durand, Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, and Martin John Heade among others. For this assignment, focus on the general themes of the Hudson River School and then examine the specific work of one of the key artists. In 550-750 words summarize the major themes of Romantic painting, a major painter (s), and summarize examples of their work. I suggest you focus on Cole, Church, Durand, or Bierstadt who are the best known.
http://www.metmuseum.org/TOAH/HD/hurs/hd_hurs.htm
http://www.history.vt.edu/Barrow/Hist3144/readings/hudsonriver/
