Village in Autumn, Jasper Francis Cropsey

“Village in Autumn” depicts a shimmering mirror-like stream coursing through a lustrous autumn forest. Created by Jasper Francis Cropsey, a 19th century artist, this painting exhibits characteristics of what is known as the Hudson River School style of painting. This style often included idealistic and detailed landscapes in which humans and nature coexisted in harmony. Cropsey began creating art from an early age and believed landscapes to be the highest form of art. While away from school due to recurring illness as a child, Cropsey began to develop artistic skills by teaching himself how to draw. Later, he began an apprenticeship with an architect, Joseph Trench. Encouraged by Trench, he continued to further his artistic abilities. Due to his use of vivid color in his autumn landscapes, Jasper Cropsey was often referred to as “America’s painter of autumn.” Cropsey’s use of vibrant colors is apparent in this piece. The fusion of different shades of orange, red, yellow, and green produce a realistic and stunning representation of the autumn season. Personally, I enjoy this piece because of its, as mentioned before, brilliant colors. Also, I appreciate the attention to detail that Jasper Cropsey shows throughout his artwork. Another aspect of this painting that makes it so grand is the layering of colors used within. From a distance, it looks to be mostly orange and brown. But as you step closer, you can see that there is also bright green and yellow underneath the orange. Cropsey’s masterful painting skills and striking the realism of objects drew me to this exquisite image of autumn. You may wonder what kind of message Cropsey was trying to convey with “Village in Autumn.” Most abstract artworks have a variety of meanings to everyone, and that is no different for more realistic art. In this painting, I think Cropsey was trying to communicate the complex aesthetic splendor of the natural earth. What do you think?