Post on 03-Aug-2015
Thomas Cole and Thomas Cole and Harriet Martineau:Harriet Martineau:
Defenders of American Defenders of American SceneryScenery
Presented by Meredith Gorres, Marist College
““American Scenery”American Scenery”
Written by Thomas Cole in 1836Written by Thomas Cole in 1836 Showed the British (and some Showed the British (and some
Americans) that American scenery Americans) that American scenery was still admirable even though it was still admirable even though it was differentwas different
MountainsMountains
• The most conspicuous objects of the landscape
• European mountains – “Mostly bare”– Picturesque– Possessive of grandeur
• American mountains– Covered by dense forests– Gorgeously clothed
ForestForest
PrimitivePrimitive UncultivatedUncultivated Possessive of peculiarities, individuality, Possessive of peculiarities, individuality,
and uniquenessand uniqueness Authentic and realAuthentic and real
WaterWater
• Landscape defective without itLandscape defective without it
• ““A most expressive feature”A most expressive feature”
• The Rhine vs. the HudsonThe Rhine vs. the Hudson
• Ability to mirror surroundingsAbility to mirror surroundings
SkySky
The soul of all sceneryThe soul of all scenery Affects the landscapeAffects the landscape
England’s Silver Haze
The North’s Blue Skies
The Torrid The Torrid Zone’s Thunder Zone’s Thunder CloudsClouds
Italy’s Golden Italy’s Golden AtmosphereAtmosphere
Harriet Martineau
1802-1876
European travel writer
A prominent Victorian woman of letters
Traveled the US from 1834-1836
““Pine Orchard House”Pine Orchard House”
Written in 1838 about her experiences Written in 1838 about her experiences at the Catskill Mountain Houseat the Catskill Mountain House