Artscapades presents: The Beauty of our National Parks in the 19th Century

" ...to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." National Park Service Organic Act, 1916 Art – in particular, landscape art and photography – was crucial to the establishment of the National Park Service.  Artist George Caitlin first conceived of the national park idea in 1832.  He envisioned large-scale natural preservation for public enjoyment as he traveled to the American interior to paint portraits of Native Americans.  Concerned about the destructive effects of westward expansion, Caitlin wanted “by some great protecting policy of government... a magnificent park... a nation’s park, containing man and beast, in all the wild (ness) and freshness of their nature’s beauty!” 

Later, in 1859, Albert Bierstadt  joined Frederick W. Lander's survey party bound for the Rocky Mountains. While on tour, Bierstadt took countless photographs and drafted the many sketches that would become the studies for massive paintings depicting the American west. Landscape paintings and photographs captured the grandeur and beauty of the West and captivated audiences at a time when travel was limited.  These artworks created a groundswell of support to preserve the natural wonders that culminated in the establishment the National Park Service in 1916.  ArtScapades will focus on the work of Caitlin, Bierstadt as well as others like Sanford Robinson Gifford.