Trees, Grand Manan Island, Canada
AugustâSeptember 1851
Classification
landscapes
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Louis P. Church
Accession Number
1917-4-29
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Frederic Edwin Church, a leading figure in the Hudson River School of American landscape painting, captured the rugged beauty of Grand Manan Island, Canada in *Trees, Grand Manan, Canada* during August–September 1851. At just 25 years old Church was already honing his signature style, influenced by his mentor Thomas Cole. This early work reflects the movement's reverence for the American wilderness and its expansive natural vistas, portraying the island's windswept trees as symbols of untamed power and sublime tranquility. Painted during Church's travels to explore maritime scenes, the artwor...