Blog post by Briana George

Recently I was able to visit The Albany Institute for History and Art, and was particularly interested in the Hudson River School painters exhibit. As a current art history student ( I’m minoring because there is no double major offered ) I always find it so surreal seeing works that have been shown on the screen in class. Its like being in the presence of a famous person. I am always so surprised and humbled to find that sometimes these works are right in my own back yard. This and the fact that I grew up in the Catskill mountains makes these works interesting to finally see. I was very impressed by A View of the Catskill Mountain House, by Sarah Cole 1848, ht.15 1/3″ x w.23 3/8″ Albany Institute of History & Art, 1964.040. Not only were the fall tones represented perfectly, I’ve hiked up to the remains of the old Catskill mountain house and stood right where it once did. Cole got everything right, from the view, right down to the gnarled trees and sharp rock faces. All of the works captured that special “Hudson River Valley light” that residents and Hudson River School fans alike have come to know and love.