Botanical Sketches along the RÃo Magdalena, Colombia
Classification
nature studies
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Louis P. Church
Accession Number
1917-4-403
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
In May 1853, Edwin Church, a leading figure of the Hudson River School, deep into Colombia along the Río Magdalena, capturing lush biodiversity of South America in these botanical sketches. At just 26, Church was inspired by explorer Alexander von Humboldt's scientific expeditions, embarking on his own journey to document the continent's exotic flora. These nature studies reflect his meticulous eye for detail, serving as preparatory works for grand landscape paintings that would later captivate audiences back home. Church's sketches exemplify the Romantic era's fascination with nature's subli...