Summer in the Highlands

Art Historical Context

Currier & Ives captured the romantic allure of the American landscape in their 1867 lithograph *Summer in the Highlands*. Created by the renowned New York firm known for its accessible prints of everyday life and scenic views, this work reflects the mid-nineteenth-century fascination with nature’s grandeur. The image likely evokes the serene beauty of highland regions, inviting viewers to imagine leisurely summer days amid rolling hills and lush greenery. As a lithograph with hand-coloring and natural gum accents on cream wove paper, the print demonstrates the technical artistry of the period. Lithography allowed Currier & Ives to produce affordable, high-quality images that reached a broad audience, democratizing art in Victorian homes. The added hand-coloring brings vibrant life to the scene, enhancing its appeal as both decoration and a window into an idealized natural world. This piece exemplifies how Currier & Ives blended commercial production with artistic charm, preserving a sense of wonder for generations. Its presence in the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection highlights the enduring cultural value of these popular prints.