Spanning four centuries, this exhibition organized by the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento celebrates the inspiration that nature has provided to European artists and the beauty of the drawings that resulted.
Featuring sketches and finished compositions by artists as diverse as Herman van Swanevelt (Dutch, ca. 1600–1655) and Camille Corot (French, 1796–1875), the sheets presented here examine the many forms that landscape took throughout history. Religious scenes set in the lush countryside, topographical views surveying broad panoramas, realistic depictions of natural phenomena, or fantastical vistas show a wide range of changing attitudes towards our environment.
In addition to examining the major developments in landscape drawing, the exhibition provides a thematic view of a handsome and early collection. Purchased mainly during the E.B. Crocker family’s trip to Europe in 1869–71, the drawings reflect the art market and taste of the time. This sensitive selection of drawings from the Crocker’s holdings show one of the most enchanting aspects of a uniquely historic collection.
This exhibition, made possible by the Snite Museum General Endowment, will run from January 12 to March 16, 2014.