Watch The Hudson River School: Cultivating A Tradition

The Hudson River School: Cultivating A Tradition is a documentary that explores the art movement that emerged in the mid-19th century known as the Hudson River School. The film provides a detailed account of the artists, their philosophy, and the paintings that distinguished this movement. The movie starts with a brief introduction about the Hudson River School, which originated in the United States, specifically in New York State, during the early 1800s. This movement was characterized by its romanticism and the artists' inclination to paint landscapes, capturing the beauty of nature that surrounded them. The film shows that this style of art was a way of celebrating American wilderness, which was markedly different from the European landscapes at the time.

The documentary delves deeply into the history and backgrounds of the notable artists belonging to the Hudson River School. The main focus of the documentary revolves around the paintings of Thomas Cole, Asher Durand, Frederic Church, and Albert Bierstadt, who were the leading figures of this artistic movement. Each artist had their own unique approach to their work, which the documentary shows through their paintings, along with the commentary of art experts like Bruce Chandler, John Wilmerding, and other notable art historians.

The documentary also explores the ways in which the movement evolved over time. It shows that some artists, like Durand, became more drawn to scientific precision, whereas Church was known for his grandeur and dramatic landscapes, which he painted on a rather large scale. One of the interesting points that the documentary makes is that the artists of the Hudson River School often mutually influenced each other, despite their individual differences.

The film not only provides insight into the artists' creative processes and techniques, but also the nature of the art market during the time. The documentary highlights the role played by art dealers and patrons, who were captivated by the allure of the Hudson River School's vision of the American landscape. The film notes that this style was considered important for the nation's pride, and it served as a source of national identity during the time of political turmoil.

The Hudson River School: Cultivating A Tradition is a visual treat for the eyes. The film showcases the paintings in breathtaking detail, and the camera lovingly captures the artistry and beauty of each piece. The movie is also blissfully free of any gimmicks, relying solely on the art itself to speak for the beauty and grandeur of the American landscape.

Overall, The Hudson River School: Cultivating A Tradition is a fascinating and informative documentary that provides a historical overview of American art through one of its most influential and innovative movements. It is not only informative but also artistically enriching, as it allows the viewer to appreciate the beauty hidden in the landscapes that are around us. The documentary is recommended for anyone interested in art, history, or nature.

The Hudson River School: Cultivating A Tradition is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes.