"Celebrating the American Landscape" Art Exhibit at NH Antique Co-op

For nearly 200 years, the rugged and picturesque terrains of the White Mountains, Mt. Monadnock, and the Hudson River Valley have served as a profound source of inspiration for artists. These American landscapes have been admired for their majestic grandeur for centuries. It was during the 19th century that these views and vistas truly captured the hearts and canvases of American artists. These iconic landscapes, characterized by their dramatic features, drew well-known artists to the area, inspiring them to create works that represented the striking views of the mountains, rivers and valleys. The artists' mission was to capture the quintessential essence of America's natural beauty. Their representations of the landscapes of the American wilderness were influenced by the aesthetic theory of the sublime, which emphasizes the awe and wonder that nature can evoke. Nestled amidst the rugged peaks of the White Mountains lies a treasure trove of American art history. This region has long served as an inspiration for artists, particularly those affiliated with the White Mountain School, the Hudson River School, and the Dublin Art Colony during the late 1800s. The White Mountain School, a loosely affiliated group of painters dedicated to capturing the pristine beauty of this region, emerged in the 1830s and reached its zenith in the mid-19th century. Among its luminaries were Benjamin Champney (1817-1907), Frank Shapleigh (1842-1906), and Thomas Cole (1801-1848). Cole was also a prominent figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting and his works often showcased the splendor of the White Mountains. The Hudson River School, named after the Hudson River Valley, where many of its artists found inspiration, shared a deep connection with the White Mountain painters. Artists like Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) and Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900) ventured north to capture the White Mountains. The White Mountains also played a crucial role in attracting other artists and art colonies of the time. The Dublin Art Colony became another artistic hub. It was more accessible than the White Mountains, and Mt. Monadnock became a beacon for artists to hone their talents. Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849-1921) was one of the most influential artists to come to Mt. Monadnock. His creativity and dedication to the region brought many artists to follow him and to stay and establish studios in the Monadnock region. The 19th-century American art scene was a time when artists sought to define a uniquely American identity in art, distinct from the European traditions that had long dominated the field. The natural beauty of New Hampshire, New England and upstate New York during this era, with their pristine wilderness and untouched landscapes, offered new ground for exploring this identity. Artists were drawn to the region not only for its physical beauty, but also for the sense of awe and wonder it instilled in them. In their paintings, they sought to convey not just the external beauty of the landscape but also the spiritual and emotional connection they felt with it. This connection to the land was a hallmark of American landscape painting in the 19th century. Artists believed that the untamed wilderness of the American landscape reflected the purity and potential of the American spirit. They saw a metaphor for the young nation itself, still untamed and full of promise. These regions, and the artists who worked there, also played a role in the development of plein air painting, a practice that involved artists working outdoors directly in front of their subject matter. This approach allowed artists to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, resulting in paintings that felt more immediate and lifelike. As we trace the footsteps of these 19th-century artists through these regions, we can still witness their legacy today. The landscapes that inspired them remain largely unchanged, offering modern-day artists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts the same sense of wonder and inspiration. These great outdoors continue to attract those who seek to capture their beauty and essence. To view 19th and 20th century works painted in these regions, visit Celebrating the American Landscape, now in the Upstairs Gallery at the New Hampshire Antique Co-op. The exhibition features nearly 100 works by 19th and 20th century artists, including Thomas Cole, Benjamin Champney, William Louis Sonntag, William Preston Phelps, Alexander James, Bruce Crane, Eric Sloane, William Jurian Kaula, Sanford Robinson Gifford, Frank Benson and Granville Perkins. Contemporary artists William Davis, Erik Koeppel, Erick Ingraham and David Dodge are also featured. The Celebrating the American Landscape exhibition continues through January 31, 2024. The gallery at the New Hampshire Antique Co-op, located at 323 Elm Street in Milford, New Hampshire is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. A destination for antique and art enthusiasts, the New Hampshire Antique Co-op is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. New Hampshire Antique Co-op is a must-visit destination, offering a wide array of fine art, period furniture, porcelain, silver, collectibles, jewelry and more. Established in 1983 by the Hackler family, the shop has more than 200 dealers, and has been recognized as the "Best of New England" by Yankee Magazine and "Best of New Hampshire" by New Hampshire Magazine. For further details about the Celebrating the American Landscape exhibition and New Hampshire Antique Co-op, please visit www.nhantiquecoop.com or contact (603) 673-8499.