Nineteenth Century Arts and Literature


US History Life Before the Civil War Nineteenth Century Arts and Literature
Students learn about the art, music, and literature of the early to mid-1800s, including the Hudson River School and John James Audubon. Then, they study a Hudson River School artist in more detail, selecting a favorite painting and explaining how it reflects the romantic ideals of the time.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the art, music, and literature of the early to mid-1800s, including the Hudson River School and John James Audubon. Then, they study a Hudson River School artist in more detail, selecting a favorite painting and explaining how it reflects the romantic ideals of the time.​

Objectives:

  • Describe American painting in the early to mid-1800s, including the Hudson River School and the work of John James Audubon.
  • Analyze American literature and music during the early to mid-1800s.


The music, literature, and artwork of the early to mid-1800s combined the concepts of nationalism, romanticism, Manifest Destiny, grand life, and optimism. Some historians refer to this time between the 1820s and the beginning of the Civil War as a time of romanticism and a love for America, its landscape, and its culture.

Objectives:

  • Describe American painting in the early to mid-1800s, including the Hudson River School and the work of John James Audubon.
  • Analyze American literature and music during the early to mid-1800s.

During this time period, artists moved away from painting portraits and classic works and began to express a national spirit in their work. They painted realistic depictions of nature, like the one shown below.


Painting of people relaxing close to a winding river

View on the Catskill, Early Autumn, by Thomas Cole


What words come to mind when you look at the painting? To post multiple words or short phrases, separate them with a comma, like this: cold, warm.

Post your answer

Discuss with students some of their responses. Students’ answers will vary but might include: unspoiled nature, realistic, atmospheric lighting, landscape, theatrical, mountains, spiritual, dramatic, romantic, wilderness, New York, the West, etc. Explain that this painting was done by Thomas Cole, one of the artists students will learn about in this experience.


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