Landscape with Lake, Jasper Francis Cropsey

Label 2009: The evidence of Cropsey’s early talent earned him election to the National Academy in New York at the age of twenty one. His paintings manifest a devotion to nature’s complexity and expanse, and interest in the poetic landscape, concerns that were shared by the Hudson River School painters, with whom he is associated. In 1849, Cropsey made his first trip to Europe-a requisite for any landscape artist of consequence-and this 1850 painting may have been inspired by an extended visit to the White Mountains upon his return from the Continent. Landscape with Lake contrasts the serenity of the lake and the peaceful activities of the minute figures with the more somber mood evoked by the massive and ancient trees in the foreground. Archive Label 2003: The evidence of Cropsey’s early talent earned him election to the National Academy in New York at the age of twenty-one. His paintings manifest a devotion to nature’s complexity and expanse, and an interest in the poetic landscape, concerns that were shared by the Hudson River School painters, with whom he is associated. This painting was executed after his first trip to Europe in 1849, a requisite for any landscape artist of consequence, and may have been inspired by an extended visit to the White Mountains upon his return. Landscape with Lake contrasts the serenity of the lake and the peaceful activities of the minute figures with the more somber mood evoked by the massive and ancient trees in the foreground.