The Hudson River School of PaintingLandscape painting is a primary dimension of the Athenaeum's art collection. Landscape was also the first genre of painting in which American artists were recognized for making a distinctive contribution to the history of art. Early American landscape painters, later dubbed the Hudson River School for their frequent depictions of upstate New York, portrayed the countryside with an eye toward its future settlement. The country was perceived by its citizens as a new beginning for Western civilization, which had become corrupt in Europe. America offered new opportunities to explore the landscape and live close to the earth, free from the temptations and vice of urban areas. Appropriately, the first identifiably American school of art was devoted to the celebration of the nation's unique scenery. The gallery of images below highlights the Hudson River School paintings at the Athenaeum. For a more detailed look at specific works of art, visit This Week from the Gallery Archives.To view the slide show, click the first image and then use the arrows to move forward and backward. To view complete details about any of the artwork in our collection, click here. Visit other galleries of images: American artists , European artists , and other artists.  Worthington WhittredgeFishing, around 1868-1870 OIL ON CANVAS Worthington Whittredge  James HartUnder the Elms 1872 OIL ON CANVAS James Hart  Sanford R. GiffordThe View from South Mountain, in the Catskills OIL ON CANVAS Sanford R. Gifford  Albert BierstadtThe Domes of the Yosemite, 1867 OIL ON CANVAS Albert Bierstadt  James M. HartLandscape with Cattle, 1872 OIL ON CANVAS James M. Hart  Samuel ColmanThe Emigrant Train, Colorado, 1872 OIL ON CANVAS Samuel Colman  James M. HartMarine and Cattle, 1884 OIL ON CANVAS James M. Hart  Jervis McEnteeThe Woods of Asshockan, Catskills, 1871 OIL ON CANVAS Jervis McEntee  Worthington WhittredgeOn the Plains, Colorado, 1872 OIL ON CANVAS Worthington Whittredge  Asher B. DurandLandscape with Rocks, 1859 OIL ON CANVAS Asher B. Durand  William HartAutumn Morning, 1876OIL ON CANVAS William Hart  William HartSummer, The Passing Shower, 1873OIL ON CANVAS William Hart  William HartAn Autumn Day, 1865OIL ON CANVAS William Hart  Thomas Waterman WoodPlowing in the Nivernais, undated copy OIL ON CANVAS Thomas Waterman Wood  Jasper CropseyAutumn on the Ramapo River, Erie Railway, 1879OIL ON CANVAS Jasper Cropsey |