In the Woods

Asher Brown Durand American

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 759

This monumental painting departs from the pastoral treatment of Durand’s earlier works to celebrate the shadowy solitude of the deep woods. Living and dead trees rise from the fertile decay of the forest floor. In the summer of 1854, Durand had made plein-air studies in the Catskill Mountains in preparation for this work, and while it was on view at the National Academy of Design, the artist published his acclaimed “Letters on Landscape Painting.” In the third installment, he wrote, “That is a fine picture which at once takes possession of you—draws you into it—you traverse it—breathe its atmosphere—feel its sunshine, and you repose in its shade without thinking of its design or execution, effect or color.”

#4350. In the Woods

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In the Woods, Asher Brown Durand (American, Jefferson, New Jersey 1796–1886 Maplewood, New Jersey), Oil on canvas, American

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In the Woods, Asher Brown Durand (American, Jefferson, New Jersey 1796–1886 Maplewood, New Jersey), Oil on canvas, American
In the Woods, Asher Brown Durand (American, Jefferson, New Jersey 1796–1886 Maplewood, New Jersey), Oil on canvas, American

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