Old Landscape Paintings Show Merging of Art, Science: Study

Washington, 17 Sep (ONA) --- A recent study led by Oregon State University reveals the merging of art and science in 19th-century landscape paintings.

These paintings, depicting preindustrial forests in the northeastern United States, offer valuable insights into historical landscapes before modern scientific investigation.

The research, published in Ecosphere, explores addressing concerns about artistic accuracy in these paintings and paves the way for future collaborations between scientists and art historians.

The study sheds light on the importance of historical ecology in understanding past environments and contextualizing future landscape changes.

Artworks from the "Hudson River School," especially by Asher Durand, were a focal point in this investigation.

Durand (1796-1886) was a prolific and influential member of the Hudson River School and left clear records about his perspectives regarding the accurate depiction of nature, Betjemann said.

"A review of his images and writings supports the potential use of many of his paintings and sketches in historic forest ecology research," said Peter Betjemann, executive director of arts and education in the OSU College of Liberal Arts.

---Ends/Thuraiya/AG