Asher Brown Durand (1796–1886) was an American painter, engraver, and one of the prominent figures of the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters known for their romantic depictions of the American landscape. Here are key points about Asher B. Durand:1. **Early Life:** Asher Brown Durand was born on August 21, 1796, in Jefferson Village (now Maplewood), New Jersey.2. **Engraving Career:** Durand began his artistic career as an engraver. He apprenticed under Peter Maverick and became well-known for his skill in the field. His engravings included portraits and illustrations.3. **Transition to Painting:** In the 1830s, Durand transitioned from engraving to painting. His interest in landscape painting grew, and he became associated with the emerging Hudson River School.4. **Hudson River School:** Durand, along with Thomas Cole and others, played a crucial role in the establishment of the Hudson River School, a group of American landscape painters who focused on romantic depictions of the American wilderness.5. **Influence of Thomas Cole:** Durand was influenced by Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School. He often collaborated with Cole and shared his interest in the sublime qualities of nature.6. **Landscapes:** Durand's landscapes are characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for the natural world. He often painted scenes with deep forests, serene lakes, and rugged mountains.7. **Kindred Spirits:** Durand's painting "Kindred Spirits" (1849) is one of his best-known works. It portrays the friendship between the poet William Cullen Bryant and the painter Thomas Cole. The painting is a tribute to Cole, who had passed away in 1848.8. **Presidency of the National Academy of Design:** Durand served as the president of the National Academy of Design from 1845 to 1861 and again from 1861 to 1862. He played a significant role in the development of American art institutions.9. **Philosophical Views:** Durand was not only an artist but also a thinker. He wrote essays on art and philosophy, and his ideas reflected the transcendentalist beliefs of the time.10. **Later Years:** In his later years, Durand continued to paint and teach. His style evolved, and he experimented with different approaches to landscape painting.11. **Death:** Asher B. Durand died on September 17, 1886, in Maplewood, New Jersey.12. **Legacy:** Asher Brown Durand's contributions to the Hudson River School and American landscape painting have left a lasting legacy. His detailed and poetic representations of nature influenced subsequent generations of American artists.Durand's commitment to capturing the beauty of the American landscape and his involvement in the formation of the Hudson River School contributed to the development of a distinct American artistic identity in the 19th century.
Measures 40 x 26.

Good condition. No rips, tears, creases.