Frederic Edwin Churchs 1859 masterpiece The Heart of the Andes. Every time I stand before this picture at New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, I am reminded of how much the concept of the Great Picture--as exemplified by 19th century artists like Church and Albert Bierstadt-- can achieve. To see the sacred in nature, to express on a grand scale the scope, spirituality, and beauty of the living world: Church was peerless at capturing it all, reminding me that such efforts are still worth attempting--especially today when our great creatures and magnificent landscapes are being destroyed at a rate unprecedented in human history. Yes, we have films, we have photos, we have images of every shape and format. Church reminds me, however, of the transcendent and lasting power of a canvas. .
Posted on: Sun, 23 Nov 2014 18:34:20 +0000
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