This masterpiece by Frederic Church includes a covered bridge, waterfall, mountain and mill to express the essence of pastoral New England. Like his early teacher Thomas Cole and other Hudson River School artists, Church believed that the vastness and beauty of the American landscape conveyed moral significance. The Conestoga wagon crossing the bridge in this idealized, panoramic vista symbolizes westward expansion and a growing country flourishing in harmony with nature.

Object Creator

Church, Frederic Edwin (American, 1826-1900)

Object Creation Date

1851

Medium

Oil on canvas

Object Type

Painting

Dimensions

36 x 53 "

Credit

George Walter Vincent Smith Collection

Accession Number

1.23.24

On View?

Yes

Image Request

Request Image for Reproduction