Description:
shore of lake curving up left side, into large pines, low mountains and higher bare mountains in distance; landscape; water; vegetation; mountain
Label Text:
Raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Bierstadt is best known for his panoramic views of the American West. For many years, Echo Lake was thought to be such a scene. However, in the summer of 1860, Bierstadt had helped his brothers, photographers Edward and Charles, select views for a book on the natural wonders of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, including Echo Lake. Comparison of their photographs with this painting led to identification of the site. The popular tourist attraction of Echo Lake was described in guidebooks of the day as "visited by many from nearby hotels, and by boating parties; often one sees a 'flotilla' of white row boats...." Bierstadt omitted all signs of human presence in this picture, focusing instead on the drama of sunlight breaking through the clouds and mist rising from the river. Like other Hudson River School painters, many of whom painted in the White Mountains, Bierstadt interpreted the American wilderness as a manifestation of divine presence and favor.
Other label: Raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Bierstadt was best known for his panoramic views of the American West. However, he also made regular sketching trips to the highest and most rugged region of New England: the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In Echo Lake, Eagle Cliff rises prominently above the scene in the center of the canvas and identifies the location. The broad, diagonal sweep of mountain contrasts with the intricate details on display in the foreground: floating lily pads, shoots of grass, and a pair of turtles, one of which suns itself on a lichen-coated rock.
The White Mountains had become a popular tourist destination by this time, and summer hotel guests were frequently entertained by a cannon fired over the lake to create a thunderous echo. Bierstadt omits all signs of human presence and instead presents a quiet scene of rising mist and dramatic light.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=SC+1960.37 |
