Hudson River School

Hudson River School was the name of the first group of American artists to develop a characteristic style of landscape painting. The school flourished from 1825 until the late 1800’s. The early artists of this group painted many scenes of the Hudson River Valley in New York. Later artists of the school painted landscapes of various areas of North and South America.

Before the 1800’s, there was almost no tradition of landscape painting in America. Some Hudson River School paintings resembled the peaceful countrysides painted by many Europeans. But others showed the untamed beauty and the grandeur of canyons, rivers, and other natural features. These landscapes reflected the artists’ pride in their country and their love of nature.

The Hudson River School first became known in 1825. That year, the landscapes of Thomas Cole gained popularity. The originality and directness of Cole’s works impressed many artists, and he became a leader of the Hudson River group. Other artists who helped the school develop included Thomas Doughty and Asher B. Durand. Later artists included Albert Bierstadt, Frederic E. Church, Jasper F. Cropsey, John F. Kensett, and Thomas Moran.