Asher Brown Durand (August 21, 1796 – September 17, 1886) was an American painter, engraver, and one of the leading figures associated with the Hudson River School, a prominent mid-19th-century American art movement. The Hudson River School artists were known for their romanticized depictions of the American landscape. Here are some key points about Asher Brown Durand:**Key Points about Asher Brown Durand:**1. **Early Life and Engraving Career:** - Asher Durand was born in Maplewood, New Jersey. He initially trained as an engraver and achieved success in the field. He worked for a period as a banknote engraver.2. **Founding Member of the Hudson River School:** - Durand was a founding member of the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters who celebrated the American wilderness. He played a key role in shaping the aesthetic principles of the movement.3. **Influence of Thomas Cole:** - Durand was influenced by the work of Thomas Cole, another prominent Hudson River School artist. Cole's romanticized landscapes inspired Durand to explore the beauty of the American natural environment.4. **Landscapes and Nature Studies:** - Durand's landscapes often featured scenes of untouched nature, reflecting a reverence for the sublime qualities of the American wilderness. He painted both large, panoramic views and more intimate studies of trees and foliage.5. **"Kindred Spirits" Painting:** - One of Durand's most famous paintings is "Kindred Spirits" (1849), which depicts Thomas Cole and the poet William Cullen Bryant standing on a rocky ledge in the Catskill Mountains. The painting symbolizes the shared vision and friendship between the two artists.6. **Presidency of the National Academy of Design:** - Durand served as the president of the National Academy of Design for 16 years, from 1845 to 1861. He played a significant role in promoting American art and fostering the development of young artists.7. **Philosophical and Artistic Writings:** - Durand was not only an artist but also a thinker. He wrote philosophical and artistic essays, including "Letters on Landscape Painting" (1855), in which he discussed his thoughts on the relationship between art and nature.8. **Later Career and Photography:** - In his later years, Durand explored photography as a means of documenting landscapes. He recognized the potential of photography as a tool for artists to study and capture natural forms.9. **Death:** - Asher Brown Durand passed away on September 17, 1886, in Maplewood, New Jersey.10. **Legacy:** - Asher Brown Durand's legacy is intertwined with the Hudson River School and the development of American landscape painting. His emphasis on the sublime, his dedication to preserving the beauty of the American wilderness, and his leadership in the art community have left a lasting impact.Asher Brown Durand's paintings are celebrated for their attention to detail, reverence for nature, and their contribution to the romantic vision of the American landscape. His work, along with that of his Hudson River School contemporaries, continues to be appreciated for its role in shaping American artistic identity.
Measures 40 x 26.2.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.